A unique initiative to enhance the experience of Umrah pilgrims
In a move reflecting its ongoing commitment to the comfort of pilgrims, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced an increase in the operational capacity of its free "Hijjah Removal" service to accommodate the millions of Umrah pilgrims expected during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative aims to serve approximately 360,000 beneficiaries by providing 12 fully equipped mobile units to offer the service of shaving or trimming the hair in a record time of no more than two minutes, within a healthy and safe environment befitting the sanctity of the holy sites.
Historical context and importance of the ritual of dissolution
The completion of the Umrah rituals, whether by shaving the head (which is preferable for men) or shortening the hair, is the final act of the pilgrimage. This ritual holds great religious significance, symbolizing the completion of the pilgrimage and the pilgrim's release from the restrictions of Ihram. Throughout history, serving pilgrims and those performing Umrah has been an honor sought by successive governments dedicated to serving the Two Holy Mosques. This modern initiative continues this historical legacy, but with contemporary tools that combine technology and operational efficiency to facilitate the performance of the rituals for the largest possible number of Muslims from around the world, especially during peak seasons such as Ramadan, when the number of pilgrims increases significantly.
Local and international impact of the initiative
Locally, this service directly contributes to crowd management and reduces congestion around the Grand Mosque, preventing the proliferation of unlicensed and haphazard barbershops that could pose a health risk. It also enhances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's civilized image in managing and organizing the affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. Internationally, this initiative solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Islamic world in providing innovative and pioneering services to pilgrims, reflecting the scale of investment and efforts made to ensure a safe and accessible spiritual experience for Muslims worldwide. Providing a basic service like the free, organized, and hygienic removal of the impurities leaves a profound positive impact on pilgrims and strengthens the Kingdom's global reputation.
Operational efficiency and strategic distribution
The operational plan included increasing the service fleet to 12 fully equipped vehicles, 10 of which are designated for men and 2 for women, to ensure privacy and comfort. These vehicles were strategically positioned in key locations for easy access, primarily in the Bab al-Marwa area and the eastern courtyard adjacent to the al-Qashashiyah restrooms. This strategic distribution ensures that pilgrims can access the service immediately after completing their Sa'i ritual without the hassle of searching. The service is exceptionally efficient, with an average waiting time of no more than 4 minutes, while the ritual purification itself is completed in less than 2 minutes. Strict health protocols are in place, including continuous sanitization of equipment and facilities to guarantee the highest safety standards.
