Hajj season begins, over two million pilgrims expected in Saudi Arabia

Image: SPA

The holy pilgrimage made by millions of Muslims every year – the Hajj, has returned to its pre-pandemic capacity in 2023. By Friday more than 1.6 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia as per the country’s General Directorate of Passports.

This year, Hajj began on Monday, June 26, following the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia earlier this month and will last until July 1. Eid al-Adha is being celebrated on June 28.

General Directorate of Passports Says 1,655,188 Pilgrims Have Arrived in the Kingdom Until Saturday.https://t.co/S0G0lJvsOK#In_Peace_and_Security | #SPA_Hajj44#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/hldurzJdju

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) June 25, 2023

The kingdom had announced the lifting of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions before the start of the Hajj season. Pilgrim numbers are hence expected to breach pre-pandemic levels with over 2.5 million Muslims expected to arrive in the country this week.

Among the thousands of pilgrims visiting the Prophets’s mosque this year is Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who was photographed performing prayers on June 25.

Services for Hajj season

The Kingdom has put in place a vast organisational network supervised by the Ministry of Hajj to implement the various initiatives connected with Hajj. For example, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance issues special booklets on the rites of the Hajj in multiple languages for distribution among pilgrims. The Ministry of Health oversees medical services while the Ministry of Information hosts journalists and members of the media from various countries to cover the pilgrimage, while at the same time arranging for live transmissions of the rituals around the world.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of 185 programmes and initiatives, presented during this year’s Hajj season.

Travel: As per the Ministry of Hajj, pilgrims’ travel will be limited to the cities of Makkah and Madinah, and to the tent cities of Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah. Inter-city travel will require the pilgrim or his travel agent to inform the Tawafa Establishment office 24 to 48 hours before departure. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using a travel coupon provided by the Tawafa Establishment. Pilgrims can also travel by taxi at an extra cost.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Roads has also launched a “We serve you on our roads” initiative which includes immediate response in instances such as a vehicle breakdown as well as setting up a mobile facility to accommodate up to 45 pilgrims at a time.

Traffic: The General Directorate of Traffic launched six interactive traffic maps to facilitate the movement of Hajj pilgrims. The Transport General Authority has provided 1,000 electric scooters, for use between the holy sites.

Mobile phones: Pilgrims can avail of SIM cards, valid for a month, over the counter in most phone shops in Makkah and Madinah.

Health: The Ministry of Health announced a dedicated helpline for health emergencies for pilgrims. The health call centre can be accessed by dialing “937” and pilgrims can make inquiries and consultations as well as complaints. The centre operates 24/7 and employs staff proficient in multiple languages. Health authorities have also equipped 32 hospitals, including field hospitals, supported by 140 health centres, to serve pilgrims.

Translation: The Hajj charity association Hadiyah has launched a ‘Breaking the silence’ initiative for Hajj pilgrims to offer translation services. Workers of the charity will also offer guides for international pilgrims and provide information across all holy sites including the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the pilgrimage.

Information: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has introduced electronic services to improve pilgrims’ experiences. The ministry has launched a Sharia awareness app that educates pilgrims on Hajj rituals, and offers a translator if the pilgrim requires a language other than Arabic. The Rushd app was launched to provide a library and electronic web Quran service.