Pilgrims complete their rituals for “Day of Tarwiyah” and prepare their belongings for the next phase of Hajj.

Pilgrims Complete First Day of Tashreeq Rituals

On Saturday, pilgrims successfully completed the first day of Tashreeq, known as "Day of the Stones." They threw stones at the three pillars, starting with the small pillar, followed by the middle, and concluding with the largest pillar, known as "Jamarat al-Aqaba." This practice follows the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The pilgrims settled in Mina on Friday, enjoying a spiritually uplifting atmosphere supported by a comprehensive service and security system.

Efficient Crowd Management

Organizational measures facilitated smooth crowd movement within the Jamarat facility. The stone-throwing process adhered to a well-coordinated plan, executed through collaboration among various authorities. Immediate field monitoring contributed to achieving the highest levels of safety and security for the pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals in a calm and peaceful environment.

Departure of Early Pilgrims

Early pilgrims will leave Mina after the sun sets on Sunday, the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. They will throw stones at the three pillars, each with seven pebbles, before heading to the Grand Mosque in Mecca for the farewell Tawaf, marking the completion of their pilgrimage.

Adherence to Crowd Control Instructions

The Ministry of Interior urged pilgrims to follow designated paths when going to and returning from the Jamarat and during Tawaf and Sa’i. They advised against carrying luggage to the Jamarat facility and the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims must continue to adhere to crowd control schedules and instructions that regulate their movements during Tashreeq. The ministry also encouraged early pilgrims to remain in their tents until their scheduled departure.

Ongoing Security Efforts

The security spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior confirmed that security and organizational efforts continue according to approved plans. These measures ensure the safety of pilgrims until they complete their rituals and return home safely. The spokesperson expressed hope for success in fulfilling this noble duty, aligning with the aspirations of the leadership.

Organized Movement to the Grand Mosque

The movement from Mina to the Grand Mosque is part of a comprehensive operational system. This system relies on organized shuttle transportation and phased crowd management, distributing time and space pressure among the crowds. The plan includes dedicated bus lanes separate from pedestrian traffic, utilizing 100 articulated buses, each with a capacity of 125 passengers. This setup can accommodate up to 20,000 passengers per hour, reducing travel time to just 20 minutes and facilitating a swift Tawaf experience.

Luggage Storage Services

The "Haramain Affairs Authority" has provided luggage storage services for pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease. The service operates 24/7 at four centers and seven points near the main entrances. Luggage is stored securely on equipped shelves with monitoring systems, ensuring quick retrieval and accurate data matching. This process involves inspecting and registering luggage and issuing wristbands containing the pilgrim’s information.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched quality initiatives aimed at bringing joy and comfort to pilgrims, enhancing their spiritual journey. The "Happiness Team" program includes over 600 specialists who conduct field activities and provide comprehensive services. Their goal is to foster a spirit of optimism and joy during the rituals, managing emotions professionally to transform negative experiences into positive moments, thereby reducing stress and improving overall impressions.

Increased Monitoring of Slaughterhouses

The Holy Capital’s municipality has intensified monitoring at "Mina’s entrances" to prevent livestock from entering the area through unauthorized routes. Geographically distributed checkpoints cover all regions. Slaughterhouses equipped with the latest technology began receiving requests from pilgrims for sacrificial meat on the first day of Eid al-Adha. The municipality emphasizes its commitment to ensuring this ritual is performed healthily and conveniently, while also preventing environmental contamination and disease from random slaughtering.

Record Performance in Sacrificial Services

The Saudi project for benefiting from sacrificial offerings, known as "Udhiyah," achieved its highest performance during the first hour of Eid, executing over 27,000 rituals. This unprecedented figure surpassed last year’s average of 18,000 rituals per hour. This achievement is part of a comprehensive operational model involving specialized teams working across seven complexes covering over one million square meters, capable of accommodating more than 1.1 million rituals during Eid, all while adhering to strict timelines that consider religious, health, and environmental aspects.

Preparations for Early Departing Pilgrims

Government agencies in Medina have completed preparations to welcome early departing pilgrims, who will begin arriving on Sunday evening, the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, via buses and the Haramain High-Speed Train after completing their rituals. This phase will coincide with guidance and organizational services to facilitate visitors’ and worshippers’ access to the Prophet’s Mosque, based on pre-booked appointments through approved applications and the venue’s capacity.

Authorities have initiated operational plans for the post-Hajj season, enhancing field efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Hijra Highway. They are also taking necessary precautions to maintain high security levels along the main routes that pilgrims will travel to their destinations in Qassim and Tabuk, passing through Medina.

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