Saudi Arabia Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said the Kingdom is currently installing additional 150,000 air condition unit in Mina to address challenges posed by weather conditions
Al-Rabiah disclosed this today at the ongoing Hajj and Umrah conference in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted the ongoing development of the infrastructure of the holy sites through projects exceeding SR5 billion.
Makkah Mayor Musad Aldaood said towers erected on holy sites to replace tents would be put to the test during this year’s Hajj. The Makkah municipality was dedicated to maintaining pilgrims’ health by regularly spraying the 160,000 tents and 90,000 sanitary facilities with pesticides at the end of each Hajj season, ensuring a clean and safe environment for the next pilgrims.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji highlighted the use of technology to tackle obstacles and enhance efficiency. He said the KSA Visa application initiative aimed to help pilgrims obtain their visas electronically without the need to visit the embassy.
Electronic visas contributed to addressing security and health challenges, he added, with necessary precautions taken to deal with fake visas in conjunction with the authorities.
President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said a supervisory committee had been formed to improve coordination among various agencies and ensure smooth transportation. This aimed to facilitate the movement of pilgrims between their accommodation and airports, avoiding overcrowding and ensuring safe transportation of luggage.
Al-Duailej said over a million bottles of Zamzam holy water were shipped to pilgrims’ countries last year. He urged Hajj agencies and agents worldwide to coordinate in advance to schedule flights and select safe aircraft and carriers to ensure pilgrims had comfortable and secure journeys.