Latest news with #TawafAl-Ifadah
Saudi Gazette
07-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Transport minister inspects Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims heading for Grand Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle bus service for pilgrims to assess service quality and ensure a safe transport experience between the holy sites and the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Al-Jasser examined the shuttle service station located west of the Jamarat, which is directly linked to the Grand Mosque to facilitate pilgrim transfers for Tawaf Al-Ifadah and other rituals. A designated shuttle service track has been implemented to separate bus and pedestrian traffic, enhancing both safety and efficiency for pilgrims. The shuttle journey takes approximately 20 minutes, utilizing a fleet of 100 buses, each with a capacity of 125 passengers. This system allows for a remarkable throughput of up to 20,000 passengers per hour at each station.
Saudi Gazette
07-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims cast stones at three Jamarat on first day of Tashreeq
Saudi Gazette report MINA — As the annual pilgrimage of Hajj reached its final phase on the fourth day of Hajj and the first day of Tashreeq on Saturday, pilgrims in Mina began the ritual of throwing pebbles at the three Jamarat, symbolizing Satan. Pilgrims proceeded from their camps in Mina to the Jamarat Complex on their scheduled time this afternoon. Wearing their normal dress after exiting from ihram (tahallul) on Friday, they moved in batches in an orderly and smooth manner. On their arrival at the Jamarat, pilgrims, chanting 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the greatest), stoned first at Jamarat Al-Sugra (small pillar), then at Jamarat Al-Wusta (medium pillar) and lastly at Jamarat Al-Aqba (largest pillar) seven times each. The pilgrims moved easily from one pillar to the next as they hurled pebbles at the pillars. They prayed after stoning the first two pillars and quit quickly after stoning at the third Jamarat, following the tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The ritual began on Friday by stoning only at Jamarat Al-Aqba. A huge contingent of security forces and health workers were deployed at the Jamarat Complex to ensure the safety and health of the pilgrims as well as their smooth conduct of the stoning ritual. The stoning ritual was carried out according to a well-implemented plan developed through collaboration and coordination among relevant authorities, supported by prompt field oversight. This approach significantly enhanced the safety and security of the pilgrims, allowing them to perform their Hajj rituals with ease and tranquility. Stoning at Jamarat is the most repeated rituals of the Hajj. Pilgrims perform the ritual at one Jamarat (Jamarat Al-Aqba) on the first day of stoning on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10. In the next two or three days, they hurl seven stones each at the three pillars. The five-level Jamarat Complex structure around the three stoning sites allows for a smooth flow of pilgrims who are only permitted to move in one direction throughout the area to prevent congestion. After performing four main rituals of stoning, sacrificing animals, shaving or cutting hair and performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah and sai' on Friday, pilgrims returned to their accommodation in Mina. After Saturday's ritual of stoning, they will spend the rest of the time in prayers and supplications. Col. Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub, security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, urged pilgrims who intend to leave Mina early on the second day of Tashreeq on Sunday to remain in their camps until the departure time specified by their service providers. The spokesman emphasized the continuation of security and organizational efforts, in accordance with approved plans, to ensure the safety of the pilgrims until they complete their rituals and return home safely. Eng. Khaled Al-Tali'e, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, reassured everyone about the health of the pilgrims, confirming that no outbreaks of epidemics or diseases affecting public health were reported among the pilgrims. The spokesman attributed this to the integrated efforts of various government agencies, working in harmony and cohesion, to serve the guests of God. This reflects their unwavering commitment to placing their health and safety at the forefront of their priorities, in line with the aspirations of the country's leadership.
Saudi Gazette
06-06-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Over 23,000 buses deployed while Mashaer Train transports 604,000 pilgrims
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — More than 23,000 buses were deployed across three shuttle routes, supplemented by traditional modes of transportation during this year's Hajj, according to the control room at the Public Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. This effort, part of the largest transport fleet operating in a single area worldwide, achieved a record time for Tawaf Al-Ifadah, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and precise operational coordination. Moreover, the Mashaer Metro Train maintained its efficient performance, transporting over 604,000 pilgrims since its launch of operation for this year's Hajj on Tuesday. These were distributed across three main movements: Movement A with more than 27,000 passengers, Movement B with 283,000, and Movement C—the highest—with 294,000, reflecting the system's strong operational efficiency. In the health sector, the Ministry of Health continued to provide integrated services through its facilities across the holy sites. The number of health services provided exceeded 125,573, including advanced procedures such as 216 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries, all performed efficiently by qualified Saudi medical personnel. This outcome confirms the high level of health preparedness and the development of national medical capabilities. In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that it has conducted over 5.5 million electronic readings of the Nusuk Card as part of its technical plans to enhance pilgrim services and improve organizational safety. Meanwhile, the Pilgrims Care Center, through the unified number 1966, has provided more than 310,000 services since the beginning of the season, including inquiries and direct support. Additionally, field teams from the Compliance Centers have carried out over 65,000 inspection tours of service providers to reinforce compliance and improve performance quality. These integrated efforts reflect the strong coordination among various entities involved in Hajj, under the guidance of the wise leadership and in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to advance the Hajj system, harness modern technology, enhance the pilgrim experience, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe, organized environment prepared to the highest international standards.
Saudi Gazette
02-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Sheikh Al-Muaiqly to lead Eid prayers at Makkah Grand Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Presidency of the Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques has confirmed the appointment of Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, to lead the Eid Al-Adha prayers and deliver the sermon at the holy mosque. Eid prayers will be held at 5:52 a.m. on Friday, June 6. It is noteworthy that a group of pilgrims will flock to the Grand Mosque from the morning of the first day of Eid Al-Adha (the Day of Sacrifice) to perform the Tawaf Al-Ifadah, one of the pillars of Hajj. A royal decree has been issued recently appointing eminent Saudi scholar Sheikh Saleh Bin Humaid, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque and member of the Council of Senior Scholars, to lead the prayer and deliver sermon on the Day of Arafat.
