In a proactive move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to continuously improving Hajj and Umrah services, informed sources revealed to Al-Youm newspaper a package of high-quality development projects planned for the 1447 AH Hajj season. These projects, overseen by Kadana Development and Investment Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, will shape a new future for the Holy Sites by integrating technology with the infrastructure.
Context of the vision and development of sacred feelings
These initiatives fall under the objectives of the "Guests of God Service Program," one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of more Umrah and Hajj pilgrims while providing high-quality services. These projects are particularly important given the climatic challenges and high temperatures, as the Kingdom seeks to employ the latest engineering and technological solutions to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's leading global position in crowd management and the organization of massive events in complex geographical environments.
A revolution in the cooling systems at the Jamarat facility
One of the most prominent features of the development plan for the 1447 AH Hajj season is the complete modernization of the air conditioning systems at the Jamarat facility. The company, Kadana, is replacing the traditional misting columns with an advanced system that utilizes highly efficient misting fans. The plan includes replacing approximately 190 columns with modern fans capable of serving nearly 180,000 pilgrims per hour.
This ambitious project, building on the successes of the 1446 AH Hajj season, aims directly to reduce temperatures in the surrounding area by up to 8 degrees Celsius. This reduction is crucial in minimizing cases of heat stress and sunstroke among pilgrims, thus improving overall health and enriching the spiritual experience of the Hajj by reducing physical exertion.
Mount of Mercy: Smart umbrellas to combat the sun
As part of addressing climate challenges in open areas, the second phase of the project to mitigate the effects of heat stress in the Jabal al-Rahma area of Arafat was announced. The project aims to cover a total area of approximately 14,000 square meters by installing 20 giant umbrella units.
These umbrellas will not only provide traditional sun protection, but will also be equipped with innovative cooling systems and misting fans to moderate the overall climate of the area. This initiative will contribute to improving the quality of life in the holy sites and providing a safe and comfortable environment for pilgrims as they perform the most important rituals of Hajj, especially during the peak midday hours.
Geological studies to enhance environmental safety
Beyond cooling solutions, the plan places great emphasis on the geological safety of the holy sites. The Hajj 1447 AH projects include conducting comprehensive surveys and engineering studies to assess the risks of slopes and rockfalls across an area of approximately 119.6 square kilometers, encompassing Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.
The project relies on 81 geotechnical zones and 506 high-precision monitoring stations, aiming to implement proactive engineering protection measures. These studies reflect a deep commitment to "preventive security," ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure and the protection of lives and property, thus confirming the readiness of the Holy Sites to accommodate anticipated increases in the number of pilgrims in the future with the highest international safety standards.
