Comprehensive Security Measures for Hajj 1446: A Press Conference by Saudi Authorities
In a significant gathering today, the Ministry of Interior convened a press conference at the Unified Security Operations Center “911” in Mecca to outline the security and organizational strategies for Hajj season 1446 AH (2025 CE). The event was attended by prominent officials, including Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, Chief of Public Security, Major General Mohammed bin Maqbool Al-Amri, Commander of the Special Emergency Forces, Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, Director General of Civil Defense, and Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, Acting Director General of Passport Services.
General Al-Bassami reaffirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to providing a secure, organized, and reassuring environment for the guests of Allah during this sacred pilgrimage. He stressed that the Ministry has mobilized all available resources to ensure the safe performance of Hajj rituals. Following directives from the Minister of Interior, who is also the Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, comprehensive security and organizational plans for this year’s Hajj have been approved. These plans encompass various aspects, including public safety, crowd management, traffic control, and emergency response strategies, aiming to cover all stages of the pilgrims’ journey from their arrival in the Kingdom until their safe departure.
Emphasizing the strength of these measures, Al-Bassami stated that any individual attempting to disrupt public order or breach regulations will face rigorous consequences. He pointed out that the Command and Control Operations Center for Hajj is pivotal for executing security plans, leveraging modern technology and artificial intelligence to monitor real-time indicators. This includes a robust governance structure for receiving reports and addressing escalations through collaboration with various stakeholders.
Al-Bassami outlined that all human, material, and technological resources have been allocated to enhance field coverage and activate the latest security technologies. This includes the use of drones, advanced surveillance cameras, and data analysis algorithms, particularly at the outer perimeter of Mecca. He noted that penalties for individuals who violate regulations or attempt to perform Hajj without proper authorization have been intensified, reinforcing a strict legal framework aimed at safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring orderly organization. Security measures involve both fixed and mobile checkpoints around Mecca and comprehensive security perimeters.
Furthermore, he assured that all areas within the Grand Mosque and the sacred sites have been prepared to manage crowds effectively while maintaining safe capacity levels throughout the various routes and locations. Seasonal traffic management plans for the roads leading to Mecca and Medina have been devised to facilitate smooth transit for the guests of Allah.
In recent weeks, the Public Security Directorate has successfully intercepted 252 fraudulent Hajj campaigns, apprehended 1,239 violators of Hajj regulations, and returned over 109,632 vehicles that did not comply with the rules. Additionally, 269,678 non-residents were reportedly removed from Mecca, and 75,943 were found infringing upon Hajj regulations by attempting to perform the rites without proper permits, along with addressing 11,610 violations related to residency and work permits.
The Commander of the Special Emergency Forces reiterated the force’s complete commitment to ensuring safety and maintaining order throughout this year’s Hajj. This includes measures aimed at preventing individuals without lawful permits from accessing sacred sites and effectively managing crowd dynamics, particularly at the Jamarat facility and the southern square of the Grand Mosque.
On a notable technological note, Dr. Hamoud Al-Faraj introduced the inaugural use of the "Saqar" drone, designed specifically for firefighting and rescue operations, which will be employed as part of the Civil Defense’s strategy this Hajj. He highlighted the preparedness of the Civil Defense sector, which involves early deployment of seasonal teams at entry points and major roads leading to Mecca and Medina, alongside preventive measures through prior assessments of pilgrims’ accommodations and safety patrols. Multiple emergency drills with relevant authorities will be conducted to enhance coordination and rapid response capacity, reinforced by dedicated rapid response teams operating round-the-clock. He also emphasized the role of the “Civil Defense” application, which facilitates instantaneous connections between field operations and performance indicators in the command and control center, enhancing the quality of operational management and decision-making.
Lastly, the Head of the Passport Services highlighted the integration of the Directorate into the Ministry of Interior’s wider security framework for this Hajj season through a comprehensive plan focused on four primary axes. These include thorough readiness to welcome pilgrims via air, land, and sea entry points—especially the “Makkah Route Initiative”—imposing regulations on carriers of illegal pilgrims, actively supporting security and service agencies within the sacred sites, and overseeing the departure of guests post-pilgrimage.
This year’s Hajj efforts reflect the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and fulfilling experience for millions of pilgrims, reinforcing its global leadership in hosting the annual pilgrimage.
