Saudi officials are intensifying preparations ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, which is expected to welcome more than 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad. On Thursday, senior regional leaders and various authorities conducted inspections and finalized logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.

Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of the Makkah region, and Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, governor of Jeddah, toured Jeddah Islamic Port to review facilities for pilgrims arriving by sea. During the visit, the governor evaluated operational plans implemented by the Saudi Ports Authority and was briefed on the use of advanced technologies designed to expedite entry and exit procedures at the port’s arrival and departure halls. These systems aim to streamline the movement of pilgrims and reduce waiting times. The governor also welcomed a vessel arriving from Sudan carrying pilgrims and commended port management for their efforts in supporting pilgrims throughout their journey.

In parallel, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority has introduced advanced digital tools to enhance food and pharmaceutical safety during the pilgrimage. Inspectors will be equipped with body cameras featuring real-time live streaming capabilities, allowing continuous communication with the Hajj Operations Center. This system also includes emergency distress functions to ensure inspectors’ safety in the field.

The authority has also deployed specialized rapid response vehicles outfitted with refrigeration units to maintain the integrity of food and pharmaceutical samples during transportation for laboratory testing. Alongside these efforts, the use of rapid detection devices enables swift identification of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, helping authorities quickly verify product safety and detect counterfeit or unregistered goods. These measures are intended to increase inspection efficiency and reinforce health and safety standards during the gathering.

To support the substantial transportation needs of the pilgrims, the Transport General Authority announced that more than 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis have been prepared to facilitate movement throughout the Hajj season. This fleet is expected to manage the extensive internal transit required during the pilgrimage.

Collectively, these coordinated initiatives reflect the Saudi government’s commitment to providing a secure, efficient, and well-managed environment for international pilgrims undertaking one of Islam’s most significant religious rites.