Riyadh: The Unified Media Operations Center for Hajj at the Ministry of Media held the third press briefing for the 1447 AH Hajj season on Wednesday, with participation from Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah official spokesperson Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi, Ministry of Health spokesperson Abdulaziz Abdulbaqi, and Hajj transport and logistics system spokesperson Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry of Interior security spokesperson stated that pilgrims continued performing their rituals after returning to Mina from Arafat and Muzdalifah. He emphasized the extensive support and resources provided to pilgrims, ensuring the ease and safety of their rituals. The successful management and organization of the Hajj season were noted, under the supervision and follow-up of Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.
He mentioned that security and traffic plans were executed successfully during the pilgrims' movement to Arafat, their departure to Muzdalifah, and their return to Mina. The adherence to Hajj regulations and organized dispatching schedules, along with efficient crowd management, enabled pilgrims to perform the stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqaba and Tawaf Al-Ifadah safely.
Meanwhile, the Hajj transport and logistics system spokesperson reviewed transport operations during the season. The dispatching of pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah under the third movement phase was completed at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, with 290,000 pilgrims transported. Al-Otaibi noted that the fourth movement phase transported more than 357,000 pilgrims from Muzdalifah to Mina on Wednesday morning. Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro has transported more than 961,000 pilgrims.
The fifth movement phase began at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, linking Mina's three stations with Muzdalifah 3 and Arafat 3 stations. Al-Otaibi highlighted the role of the General Transport Center in serving pilgrims by preparing central stations to increase operational capacity. Over 2,500 buses operated continuously, and 24 parking areas with capacity for 20,000 buses reduced congestion and improved punctuality.
The transport and logistics system provided mobile caravans with air-conditioning units to assist pilgrims in case of bus breakdowns. Al-Otaibi also noted the 'Passenger with No Bag' initiative, benefiting over 2.4 million pilgrims and transporting more than 3.8 million bags. Additionally, the logistics system supported pilgrims' journeys by shipping over 400,000 containers of Zamzam water to various countries.