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Saudi Hajj Test Run Includes 36,000 Trips to Transport 1.2 Mln Pilgrims

Part of the results of the Hajj Simulation initiative launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah with the participation of 40 governmental entities (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the results of the Hajj Simulation initiative launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah with the participation of 40 governmental entities (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Hajj Test Run Includes 36,000 Trips to Transport 1.2 Mln Pilgrims

Part of the results of the Hajj Simulation initiative launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah with the participation of 40 governmental entities (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the results of the Hajj Simulation initiative launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah with the participation of 40 governmental entities (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah shared results from their second test run for transporting pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season. This is part of their early prep with 40 government bodies.
Highlights from the test include virtually moving over 1.2 million pilgrims, with 5 guidance operations along 12 main routes.
Around 36,640 trips were made within holy sites.
4,000 buses from 63 companies participated, with 600 operation points and 200 camps in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The simulation lasted 17 hours, with 10 hours spent on guidance operations.
One key gain from this trial is the participation of Hajj affairs offices in serving pilgrims and measuring travel times between holy sites based on pilgrims’ needs.
They also tested bus parking and infrastructure quality for better service at holy sites.
This relies on strong infrastructure projects, benefiting pilgrims and managed by various sectors.
Discussions on operational plans for the transportation system are expected to finalize scheduling for guidance operations.
Dr. Ayed Algwinm, a representative of the Hajj and Umrah ministry, explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the ministry’s trial with its partners is a real test for all the planning this year.
Through these trials, they assess readiness and coordination among the 40 government and 12 field entities involved in Hajj operations, especially in transportation.
He mentioned that plans are practically tested through the “Hajj Simulation” initiative and hypothetical trials for transportation. Over 12,000 field workers verify plan readiness.
Through these trials, they virtually transported over 1.2 million pilgrims.
According to Algwinm, having Hajj affairs offices on transportation routes helps understand pilgrim paths, and monitoring identifies and prevents potential issues during the season.
In response to a question from Asharq Al-Awsat about the gaps found in the trial, Algwinm said: “All these gaps are operational. None are major enough to disrupt transportation or require changing plans. Most are about fully understanding the journey, like not sticking to the schedule or misunderstanding routes.”
He explained that a specialized workshop will address these gaps with all partners. The main goal is to learn from mistakes, rather than aiming for a flawless trial.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.