Saudi Arabia raises the level of field readiness to protect the health and safety of pilgrims

The Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majid Al-Hogail, confirmed today, Wednesday, that the Hajj system has witnessed, over the past years, rapid development in the level of integration and readiness among various government agencies, indicating an increase in the level of field readiness to protect the health and safety of pilgrims in various locations.

Al-Hogail explained, during the government press conference that hosted five ministers to talk about preparations for the Hajj season, today, Wednesday, that last year did not witness the recording of any cases of food poisoning during the Hajj season, pointing to the implementation of an advanced infrastructure network that included roads, lighting, bridges, tunnels, and flood drains, with areas extending to 4.6 million square meters.

He stressed that the municipal service is no longer limited to waiting for reports or monitoring observations after they occur, but rather has become a proactive and rapid system that works to enhance the safety of food, water and facilities, and raise the level of field readiness to protect the health and safety of pilgrims in various locations.

For his part, Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed that the Kingdom has become a global model in caring for pilgrims and providing them with health care, noting that the Hajj season has turned into a “unique and distinguished experience for the guests of God from various countries of the world.”

Al-Jalajel explained during the press conference that during Hajj, the Kingdom faces the largest human gathering in the world, which requires special preparations according to a proactive methodology that accompanies the pilgrim from his arrival until his return to his country, stressing that the health system works throughout the year to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season.

He pointed out the provision of more than 20,000 beds in Mecca and Medina, including 3,000 beds inside the holy sites, in addition to the expansion of urgent care centers to reach 25 centers, a three-fold increase compared to previous seasons.

Al-Jalajel stressed the importance of adhering to the health requirements announced for the 2026 Hajj season, stressing that prevention represents the basic foundation for the safety of pilgrims.