RIYADH: More than 860,000 Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of this year’s annual pilgrimage. Saudi authorities continue to accelerate preparations to welcome millions of visitors from around the world.
Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah shared the latest figures during the 34th official press conference in Riyadh. He said the government has improved travel, accommodation, and digital services for Hajj pilgrims in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
According to officials, nearly 820,000 travelers entered the kingdom through airports. In addition, around 240,000 visitors used the Makkah Route Initiative. The program helps pilgrims complete immigration procedures before departure from their home countries. As a result, travelers save time after landing in Saudi Arabia.
Authorities also confirmed that more than 35,000 people entered through land borders; meanwhile, nearly 4,000 pilgrims arrived by sea. Officials expect the numbers to increase sharply during the coming days.
Saudi officials introduced more than 100 new initiatives this year. These measures aim to improve safety, comfort, and transport systems for Hajj pilgrims. Furthermore, authorities allowed over 30 private companies to provide services for international visitors. Officials believe competition will improve overall service quality.
The government also expanded its digital system for pilgrims. Travelers from 126 countries can now use the Nusuk digital platform for direct bookings and guidance services. Officials revealed that the app has already crossed 51 million users worldwide. Moreover, the platform currently provides more than 130 digital services.
At the same time, the Royal Commission for Makkah and Holy Sites completed 25 development projects before the Hajj season. Officials reported a 100 percent increase in projects compared to last year. These projects mainly focus on transport, accommodation, and crowd management.
Saudi authorities also installed cooling and shaded areas around Arafat. The cooling systems now cover nearly 272,000 square meters. Consequently, Hajj pilgrims will receive better protection from extreme temperatures during peak pilgrimage days.
In Mina, officials completed two major housing projects spread across 24,000 square meters. These projects will provide improved accommodation facilities for visitors. Additionally, authorities planted around 60,000 trees to improve the environment around the holy sites.
Saudi Arabia continues to expand its infrastructure every year. Therefore, officials expect smoother operations and improved facilities for millions of Hajj pilgrims arriving for the sacred journey.
