As part of the extensive preparations to receive pilgrims, His Excellency the Director of Public Security, Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, conducted a field inspection tour in Makkah to assess the readiness of security and traffic authorities to implement the approved plans for the 1447 AH Umrah season. These plans aim to ensure the highest levels of security, safety, and comfort for pilgrims and visitors, and to facilitate their performance of rituals in a spiritual and tranquil atmosphere.
Historical background and ongoing efforts
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed paramount importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Managing the Hajj and Umrah seasons is one of the world's greatest logistical challenges, requiring coordination at the highest levels between various governmental and private sectors. Over the decades, the Kingdom has accumulated immense experience in crowd management and organizing the movement of millions of people within a limited geographical area. These annual efforts are part of a long-standing and deeply rooted commitment, continuously evolving with the introduction of the latest technologies and scientific methods to enhance the efficiency of services provided, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the experience of pilgrims and increase the capacity to accommodate them.
Details of the field tour and integrated plans
The tour, led by Lieutenant General Al-Bassami and accompanied by the Commander of the Umrah Security Forces and several field commanders, encompassed all vital locations within the Grand Mosque and its surrounding courtyards, as well as the main roads and traffic arteries leading to it. His Excellency reviewed the implementation of security plans, which are based on several key pillars, including security measures aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims, and organizational measures for crowd management and preventing overcrowding, particularly in the Tawaf and Sa'i areas. The tour also included a live demonstration showcasing the rapid response and deployment of participating forces in the field, reflecting their high level of readiness to handle any emergency.
Importance and expected impact
These plans are of paramount importance on all levels. Locally, they ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the Holy City and minimize disruption to residents' daily lives. Regionally and internationally, the successful management of the Umrah season reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and underscores its exceptional ability to organize the largest religious gatherings. It also sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims worldwide that their spiritual journey will be safe and secure. These plans, which rely on advanced technologies such as smart surveillance cameras and artificial intelligence applications for data analysis, are expected to contribute to an exceptional and safe Umrah season, allowing pilgrims to fully concentrate on their religious observances.
