Qatar's Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanim, recently conducted an inspection tour of the Qatari pilgrims’ camps in the holy sites of Mina and Arafat ahead of the upcoming Haj season. The visit, held in late May, aimed to evaluate the readiness of facilities and services to ensure the comfort, safety, and well-being of Qatari pilgrims during the religious rites.

Accompanied by key officials including Rashid bin Saeed al-Khayarin, Consul General of Qatar in Jeddah, Khalid bin Shaheen al-Ghanim, Assistant Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs, and Ali bin Sultan al-Musaifri, Deputy Head of the Qatari Haj Mission, the minister reviewed technical, organizational, and medical preparations. Members of the advisory committee and leaders of service and technical support units also participated in the assessment.

The tour commenced in Arafat, where representatives from Makkah Hospitality Company briefed the delegation on recent infrastructure developments and enhancements at the Qatari pilgrim camps. The company is responsible for the operation and maintenance of facilities catering to Qatari pilgrims. The site has seen significant upgrades over the past two Haj seasons, including the introduction of air-conditioned, heat-insulated PVC tents, paved walkways, and dedicated areas for worship and relaxation, all designed to meet rigorous safety and comfort standards.

Additional amenities at the Arafat camp include convertible seating that serves as beds, personal tables, and open buffet stations providing refreshments and meals throughout the day. Hygiene has been prioritized with eight fully equipped restroom facilities for men and women built in accordance with strict standards. Medical readiness is bolstered by separate clinics for men and women, furnished with consultation rooms, pharmacies, isolation areas, and emergency response units, including ambulances and rapid-response scooters. A professional healthcare team comprising doctors, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists is prepared to offer continuous medical support throughout the pilgrimage.

Special provisions have been made for elderly pilgrims and individuals with disabilities, featuring tailored pathways, entrances, and restrooms to facilitate mobility and accessibility within the camps.

At the Mina site, the minister inspected gender-separated camps equipped with multi-functional seating that functions as both chairs and beds. Each pilgrim’s space is outfitted with a dining and reading table, power outlets for charging mobile devices, and overhead lockers for personal belongings. Dining facilities operate continuously, offering a variety of food and beverages, including refrigerated drinks, to meet pilgrims’ needs until the last day of Tashreeq.

Upon concluding the tour, Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanim praised the efforts of Makkah Hospitality Company and the collaborative work with the Qatari Haj Mission in maintaining the highest standards of service and organization. He also acknowledged the supportive role of the Saudi government, including the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, for providing advanced facilities and an integrated operational system facilitating a smooth pilgrimage experience.

The minister emphasized that, under Qatar’s leadership, the wellbeing of its pilgrims remains a top priority. The comprehensive support offered through Qatar’s official Haj mission encompasses logistical, medical, and religious services aimed at ensuring a safe and seamless journey. These initiatives align with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, the Qatar National Vision 2030, and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs’ strategic plan (2025-2030), all of which focus on enhancing pilgrim services and satisfaction to deliver a model Haj experience reflecting the State’s commitment to its citizens.