MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the completion of its administrative and field preparations for managing pilgrim movement during the Hajj season, including transportation to the Jamarat site for the stoning ritual, access to the metro system at the holy sites, and movement between different locations.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, these preparations were carried out in coordination with relevant authorities as part of a comprehensive operational system based on advanced planning and modern technologies aimed at ensuring smooth movement and the safety of pilgrims throughout the season.

The ministry also strengthened field coordination through a unified leadership system, faster information sharing, and rapid response procedures to handle developments on the ground, helping improve transport efficiency and crowd management.

Officials emphasized the importance of following approved movement schedules, noting that these plans play a key role in organizing pilgrim flow, maintaining safety, and supporting smooth operations during Hajj. Pilgrims were also advised to comply with all movement instructions to help ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage experience.

Meanwhile, Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, completed upgrades to fire safety and cooling networks in Mina’s tent areas ahead of Hajj. The project was designed to improve infrastructure efficiency and enhance safety standards for pilgrims.

The work covered 188 residential zones containing 565 tents, with a total network length of approximately 339,000 meters completed in four phases.

The upgraded systems replace older networks with modern infrastructure that meets higher technical standards, helping reduce the risk of technical failures and leaks while ensuring reliable cooling and uninterrupted services during the Hajj season.

The improvements are also expected to support maintenance efficiency and provide pilgrims with a safer and more comfortable environment.

In addition, Saudi Food and Drug Authority has increased its inspection and monitoring efforts to ensure the safety and availability of medical supplies for pilgrims.

Inspection teams have been deployed at several entry points to examine shipments of medicines and medical devices arriving with Hajj delegations. By ensuring compliance with approved standards, the authority aims to support healthcare services for pilgrims and facilitate procedures at ports of entry.

So far, the authority has inspected 27 shipments arriving from 20 countries, clearing more than 187 tonnes of medical supplies while preventing nearly one tonne of non-compliant food and pharmaceutical products from entering the Kingdom.

The authority also introduced additional operational measures to ensure the continued supply of medical products for Hajj missions, including allowing some inspections to take place at mission headquarters within the holy sites to improve efficiency while maintaining safety standards.