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Saudi Minister: We Will Not Allow Turning the Holy Sites into an Arena for Slogans

The daily press conference held during the Hajj season (Photo by: Adnan Mahdali).
The daily press conference held during the Hajj season (Photo by: Adnan Mahdali).
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Saudi Minister: We Will Not Allow Turning the Holy Sites into an Arena for Slogans

The daily press conference held during the Hajj season (Photo by: Adnan Mahdali).
The daily press conference held during the Hajj season (Photo by: Adnan Mahdali).

The official spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, affirmed on Friday that Saudi Arabia will not allow the holy sites to be turned into arenas for slogans and chants that diverge from the purposes of Islamic Sharia.
He emphasized that the security and safety of the pilgrims is a red line that will not be compromised.
During the daily press conference for this year's Hajj season, Shalhoub announced the successful and smooth implementation of the first phase of the plan to transport pilgrims to the holy sites.
He stressed that security forces will continue to maintain a tight security cordon around the holy sites until the end of the Hajj season.
For his part, Mohammed Al-Abdali, the official spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Health, highlighted the ministry's readiness to serve the pilgrims for this year's season. He said all health plans have been successfully implemented.
"More than 35,000 healthcare professionals and members of the healthcare system, along with over 5,500 health volunteers, take pride in serving and caring for the guests of Allah”, said Al-Abdali.
A total of 189 hospitals and health centers, in addition to mobile clinics and field hospitals, 98 ambulance centers, 14 health monitoring centers at land, air, and sea entry points, and 32 trucks for distributing medical supplies, have been set to serve the guests of Allah in addition to many other facilitations.
Dr. Ayed Algwinm, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, highlighted the significant developmental projects witnessed in the holy sites' infrastructure, including water networks, enhanced electrical capacity, aimed at improving services and raising the standard of accommodation.
The exceptional collaboration between the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, have made this possible, he underscored.
Saleh Al-Zuaid, the official spokesman for the transportation and logistical services system said that Saudi airports had received over 19,000 incoming flights from approximately 90 countries as of Thursday.
He also mentioned that the Haramain High-Speed Railway has operated more than 2,700 trips since the beginning of the Hajj season. The Jeddah Islamic Port received 7 ships carrying pilgrims from Sudan and 129 ships carrying over 600,000 containers in total.
 

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Pilgrims Prepare to Depart Holy Sites after Completing Main Hajj Rituals

Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)
Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)
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Pilgrims Prepare to Depart Holy Sites after Completing Main Hajj Rituals

Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)
Pilgrims stone the three pillars representing the devil on the first day of Tashreeq. (SPA)

The majority of Hajj pilgrims are packing their belongings in preparation to leave the holy sites on Tuesday, known as the “Day of Hastening.”

This comes after they have completed the essential rites of Hajj, which include standing at Mount Arafat, the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat, and performing the Tawaf al-Ifadah.

The Saudi Arabian government has provided a comprehensive range of services to ensure the smooth conduct of Hajj for all pilgrims.

This year’s pilgrimage has been marked by a well-coordinated system to facilitate the rituals for the millions of Muslims.

Pilgrims are arriving in Madinah as the city prepares itself to host them after the completion of their Hajj rituals.

The Madinah branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has prepared major mosques, including Khandaq, Sayyid al-Shuhada, and Qiblatain, ensuring they are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with air conditioning and water coolers.

Crowd management systems are in place, and educational materials and Qurans are being distributed.

Sheikh Osama Madkhali, the ministry’s local director, stated that all preparations are complete.

Over 900,000 copies of the Quran, provided by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, are ready to be given to pilgrims in Madinah and Yanbu airports as they depart.

Comprehensive health services

Saudi Arabia has deployed a comprehensive healthcare system to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

Over 35,000 medical staff and 5,500 volunteers are on hand to provide around-the-clock care at 183 hospitals and health centers, as well as six mobile clinics equipped with the latest technology.

These facilities boast over 6,400 beds, including specialized units for intensive care, emergency treatment, and heat-related illnesses.

Virtual services are being offered through an online hospital and mobile app, providing medical consultations and information.

Additionally, the “937” call center secured urgent medical advice in seven languages for pilgrims.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, reported 2,764 cases of heat exhaustion on the first day of Eid, all promptly treated by healthcare teams.

The private health sector has also expanded its role, contributing over 62 facilities and emergency points, and providing services on the Holy Sites train at 18 locations.

Private providers operate two of the 25 Ministry of Health centers, marking a 400% increase in private sector involvement compared to last year.

The Ministry of Commerce has distributed over 37 million provisions to Hajj pilgrims in Mina on the first day of Tashreeq. The ministry’s field teams are actively monitoring the supply situation across the holy sites, ensuring that essential goods and products are readily available.

Moreover, the ministry oversees the supply chain according to its mandate, and its teams are also responsible for inspecting commercial establishments and sales outlets in the holy sites and Makkah.

These inspections ensure compliance with consumer protection regulations and identify any commercial violations.

The Saudi Water Authority announced the distribution of over 3 billion liters of fresh water in Makkah and the holy sites of Mina, and Arafat.

This effort is part of its operational plan to ensure seamless supply across production, transportation, storage, and distribution components of the system, catering to the comfort and service of pilgrims and all beneficiaries during pilgrimage.

Through coordinated efforts and meticulous planning, the authority and its operational arm, the National Water Company and its private sector partners, achieved this exceptional milestone.

The water production capacity was significantly increased, facilitated by the desalination arm of the Saudi Water Authority, enhancing the integrated efforts of the water system to deliver and distribute the water to Makkah and the holy sites.