With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan in 1447 AH, noble humanitarian and national efforts were launched in the holiest places on earth, as more than 750 young men and women and leaders of the Saudi Arabian Scouts began their work in public service camps at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. This annual initiative, overseen by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, embodies the highest ideals of giving and serving the guests of God, the pilgrims and worshippers who flock to the Two Holy Mosques from all corners of the earth.
A long-standing legacy of serving pilgrims and Umrah performers
The participation of scouts in serving the Two Holy Mosques is a long-standing tradition and a proud history spanning decades. Since the establishment of the scouting movement in the Kingdom, serving the pilgrims has been a top priority, with these efforts evolving from simple initiatives into organized and comprehensive programs that enjoy broad governmental and public support. These camps offer a valuable opportunity for Saudi youth to develop their skills, strengthen their sense of social responsibility and national belonging, and contribute directly to the success of the Hajj and Umrah seasons, which the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considers of paramount importance.
Integrating efforts to provide the highest quality services
This volunteer program, which runs throughout Ramadan, aims to support government agencies working in the Two Holy Mosques and provide invaluable services to ensure the comfort and safety of visitors. The volunteers' tasks vary and include:
- Supporting security personnel: Cooperating with the Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security in organizing crowd movement and managing routes inside and outside the Two Holy Mosques, in order to ensure smooth movement and prevent stampedes.
- Guiding and directing visitors: Assisting pilgrims and visitors, especially the elderly, children, and those who are lost, providing them with the necessary information and directing them to their destinations.
- Supporting field services: Contributing to the efforts of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in providing various services, such as distributing breakfast meals and Zamzam water, and assisting in transporting people with special needs via designated vehicles.
These camps are implemented with the participation of scouting sectors from various entities, including the Ministry of Education, universities, the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Ministry of Sports, in an integrated framework that reflects the unification of national efforts to serve this noble goal.
The importance and impact of the initiative
On a local level, this initiative contributes to achieving one of the most important goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which is to increase the number of volunteers and promote a culture of volunteerism. It also enhances the positive image of the nation's sons and daughters, highlighting their dedication to serving their religion, community, and country.
On the international level, these volunteer efforts leave a positive impression on millions of Muslims from around the world, reflecting the Kingdom's renowned hospitality, excellent organization, and deep commitment to the comfort of pilgrims. With over 400 volunteers deployed in Mecca and more than 350 in Medina, this active youth presence represents a humanitarian and cultural message to the entire world.
