Hajj Minister Announces Smooth Ascend of Pilgrims to Arafat
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, hailed the successful movement of pilgrims from Makkah and Mina to Arafat. This accomplishment involved a complex operation utilizing the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line, over 20,000 buses, and a dedicated workforce of 100,000, including drivers, field guides, and dispatch teams. The efficient operation ensured all pilgrims reached Arafat by 10:30 AM this morning.
Speaking at a press conference in Arafat, Al-Rabiah emphasized the ministry's commitment to providing exceptional service to pilgrims. Teams are constantly monitoring and evaluating services to ensure the utmost comfort and satisfaction.
According to Al-Rabiah, this year's Hajj season, 1445 AH, welcomed over 1.8 million pilgrims from more than 200 countries. Of these, 221,854 pilgrims came from within Saudi Arabia, with men accounting for 52 percent and women for 48 percent. All pilgrims have successfully completed the rituals in Arafat and will proceed to Muzdalifah as per the ministry's schedule.
Al-Rabiah expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their unwavering support in providing the best possible experience for pilgrims. He commended the collaborative efforts of all entities involved, particularly the "No Hajj Without Permit" campaign led by the Ministry of Interior, which effectively reduced unauthorized participation.
The minister also highlighted the success of the "Nusuk Card" initiative. Over two million cards were distributed, providing vital information on pilgrim data, housing, and service providers. This innovative tool significantly improved service delivery, guidance, and identification of authorized pilgrims. A dedicated technical team from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah manages the card system, ensuring data accuracy and real-time verification.
