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Saudi authorities announced the completion of extensive preparations for the Hajj season, employing 22,000 workers and 88,000 waste units.
The implementation also includes smart technologies and operational systems aimed at improving safety, cleanliness and services for pilgrims at holy sites.
The preparations are part of an integrated operational plan overseen by multiple Saudi entities to enhance the experience of pilgrims arriving from around the world during the annual pilgrimage season.
According to the official statement, the huge deployment will serve pilgrims round the clock.
It is claimed that over 13,000 cleaners have been tasked with maintaining hygiene standards at the holy places and surrounding areas.
Authorities also announced the deployment of more than 88,000 waste units and 1,235 waste compactors as part of a larger waste management system.
They said it was designed to maintain environmental cleanliness and reduce congestion in high-density areas.
“The operational plan includes more than 3,000 vehicles and equipment to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
“The aim is to improve service efficiency, together with 66 municipal service centers distributed in key locations,” they said.
Saudi authorities said five permanent and mobile laboratories have also been activated to support food safety inspections and field monitoring operations.
It is expected that over 1.3 million samples will be examined every day as part of preventive health and safety measures.
“The preparations also include several digital and smart initiatives as part of broader innovation and digital transformation programmes.
“This includes mobile laboratories, automated street cleaning systems, smart traps, compacting waste containers and cold asphalt technologies,” they said.
Meanwhile, the General Authority for Taking Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that it is ready for the season.
The authority said it had completed operational preparation plans for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque ahead of the Hajj season.
Interactive guidance systems and digital maps have been activated, while field guidance teams have been equipped with instant translation devices to assist pilgrims of different nationalities.
He said service systems have also been expanded to include Zamzam water distribution, carpeting, transportation trolleys and facility maintenance, along with ongoing mechanisms to measure pilgrim satisfaction and improve operational performance.
“The entire system is managed through an integrated operating model focused on efficiency and preventative maintenance.
“It is supported by a technical command and control center tasked with monitoring performance and immediately responding to situations on the ground during the Hajj season,” he said.
Although the exact final total of worshipers will be officially tallied and released by Saudi authorities, officials said that around 1.8 million pilgrims will participate in the 2026 Hajj season.
As of mid-May 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that over 860,000 foreign pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom, with airlift operations underway.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the upcoming Umrah season calendar, outlining key dates and e-services related to visas, contracts and pilgrim arrivals.
The ministry made the calendar public on Sunday in Mecca.
He said this is part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and provide the best experience to Umrah pilgrims.
According to the calendar, the issuance of Umrah visas and the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom will begin on May 31.
It is stated that pilgrims will be able to enter Mecca and obtain permits for Umrah through the Nusuk application starting June 1.
“The deadline for issuing Umrah visas has been set for March 9, 2027, while the last date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is March 23, 2027,” it said.
The ministry also said that April 7, 2027 will be the final departure date for Umrah pilgrims.
He called on Umrah companies and foreign agents to adhere to the approved program and comply with all regulations and instructions to ensure high-quality services throughout the season.
