RIYADH: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development control teams carried out 20,535 inspection tours in a single week on private sector enterprises in the Kingdom to ensure compliance with labor regulations.
The inspection tours, carried out between March 23-29, recorded 2,042 violations of work regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Inspection tours will continue on private sector enterprises in all regions of the Kingdom, the ministry said, stressing the importance of complying with labor market regulations to avoid penalties. Breaches of labor laws can be reported through the call center (19911) or “ma3an-lil-rasd” app.
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Saudi HR ministry records 2,042 labor violations
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Saudi HR ministry records 2,042 labor violations
- The inspection tours, carried out between March 23-29, recorded 2,042 violations of work regulations
Hajj security operations: 436 unauthorized groups intercepted, 462 transporters apprehended
- 462 transport violators arrested; tech, security, logistics ensure smooth and safe pilgrimage
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have intercepted 436 illegal Hajj groups and apprehended 462 transport violators facilitating unauthorized entry into Makkah, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Col. Talal bin Shalhoub, security spokesperson for the ministry, said at a press conference in Makkah: “Since Dul Hijjah 11, we’ve maintained continuous operations removing Hajj regulation violators from Makkah, particularly those holding visit visas in violation of their entry permits.”
Shalhoub said that authorities were continuously removing visa violators from Makkah, with transport offenders captured at city entry points during smuggling attempts of residents, citizens and illegal visa holders.
“Our pilgrims returned to Mina this morning after completing Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Jamarat stoning rituals within a fully secured environment,” he said.
Security forces continue managing crowd flows between Mina camps, Jamarat and the Grand Mosque while “enforcing movement schedules through Dul Hijjah 14,” he said.
“We urge all pilgrims to strictly follow designated schedules for Rami, Tawaf and Sa’i, use assigned routes for luggage transport, and maintain calm during movements,” Shalhoub said.
He advised those leaving early on the second Tashreeq day to remain in camps until their service coordinators’ scheduled departure time.
Ghassan Al-Nwaimi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, said that the presidency had launched a new electronic service through its website, allowing those intending to perform rituals at the Grand Mosque to know the real-time crowd density levels in the Tawaf area, enabling them to choose the appropriate time to perform Tawaf or Sa’i.
“The Nusuk card has played a pivotal role in regulating and organizing pilgrim flows, with more than 5,500,000 electronic scans used so far,” he said.
Al-Nwaimi said that the Nusuk app and interactive mapping service helped to guide more than 35,000 pilgrims. More than 400,000 pilgrim bags were tracked using their QR codes, ensuring easy transport.
“On the front-of-field inspections, monitoring centers have conducted over 65,000 digital field rounds so far and these rounds support the delivery of various services while monitoring performance on the ground.”
He said that only 10 percent of cases required intervention by the specialized monitoring teams, reflecting the effectiveness of field-service delivery.
Khalid Al-Tala, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said that there had been a 90 percent decrease in heat exhaustion cases during this year’s Hajj season compared to the previous season.
“Despite high temperatures, only a limited number of heat exhaustion cases were handled — 362 cases so far — all managed with high efficiency until they recovered,” he said.
“Comprehensive health services exceeded 125,000,” and there were 18 open-heart surgeries and 216 cardiac catheterization procedures conducted, he said.
Saleh Al-Zuwaid, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, detailed Hajj transportation achievements.
He said that “the fifth pilgrim movement phase launched precisely at 9 a.m. on Eid Al-Adha,” connecting Arafat, Muzdalifah and Jamarat sites. This critical operation would “continue through sunset on the 13th of Dul Hijjah.”
Al-Zuwaid reported that “the Mashaer train has transported more than 1 million passengers between holy sites with complete operational ease to date.”
Makkah’s bus network spanned 430 stations across 12 routes — including four central stations serving the Grand Mosque — with an additional 25 citywide stops, he said.
“We officially announce transport and logistics readiness for pilgrim departure,” Al-Zuwaid said, confirming six dedicated airports were prepared to handle “all Guests of the Most Merciful, whether domestic or international pilgrims.”
More than 520 pilgrims with disabilities perform rituals under national initiative
MINA: Some 524 pilgrims with disabilities arrived earlier at the holy sites, embarking on their spiritual journey as part of a pioneering national initiative led by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, now in its fifth consecutive year.
The National Hajj Initiative for Persons with Disabilities was designed to ensure that pilgrims with disabilities can perform Hajj with dignity and ease. It provides a suite of tailored services, including accessible transportation, specialized accommodation and 24-hour escort support for those in need.
The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which prioritizes inclusivity and a higher quality of life for all citizens and residents. By expanding access and strengthening support for pilgrims with disabilities, the Kingdom is reaffirming its commitment to equitable participation in all aspects of life.
According to the General Authority for Statistics’ Disability Statistics Publication 2023, released in May 2024 and carried by the Saudi Press Agency, an estimated 1.8 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population lives with some form of disability. These include a range of physical, sensory and communication impairments of varying levels of severity.
Speaking to Arab News, Abdullah Abdulmohsin Al-Harbi, head of the social responsibility and volunteering department at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, said that the initiative now encompassed all 13 regions of the Kingdom.
“The initiative was originally conceived to empower persons with disabilities to visit all the holy sites and perform the Hajj pilgrimage with ease and dignity,” he said.
He said that the program welcomed men and women with disabilities from across the Kingdom, selected on defined criteria and classifications.
“We are proud to host pilgrims with various types of disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, have physical disabilities, or amputations. We have mobilized all necessary resources to support them, including a streamlined travel itinerary developed in collaboration with key entities such as Public Security, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development,” he added.
Al-Harbi said that the initiative had matured over the past five years, identifying the full spectrum of needs among persons with disabilities and developing appropriate support mechanisms, including comprehensive access solutions.
He added that the ministry hoped that the program could serve as a model for all services offered to pilgrims with disabilities.
Al-Harbi also emphasized the initiative’s profound impact on pilgrims, particularly the opportunity it gave them to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam.
“The spiritual and emotional impact of performing Hajj has been deeply meaningful for them,” he said.
“With the support of the Kingdom’s wise leadership, all necessary resources and facilities have been mobilized to serve the Guests of Allah, regardless of their background. This valued segment of society has been provided with comprehensive services and supports to enable them to perform Hajj.”
Since its inception, the initiative has served nearly 2,000 beneficiaries of both genders, Al-Harbi added.
Among this year’s participants is Abdullah Saif Al-Qahtani, a pilgrim with a mobility disability, who said that his Hajj journey was smoother than he could have imagined.
“I registered and was admitted to the program. I have performed Hajj before, but this year’s organization was exceptionally excellent, and the stoning ritual was so easy,” he said, adding that every person he encountered was willing to help.
Abdulaziz Al-Enezi, another pilgrim with a similar disability, said that he learned about the initiative through a local disability society in Hafr Al-Batin, of which he is a member.
“I applied for the initiative, and they responded promptly. Their support was outstanding. I left Hafr Al-Batin on my own and didn’t need help from anyone. The initiative’s officials provided everything I needed, including medical and food support,” he said.
He said that he did not pay a single riyal for the Hajj. “I left my city with only my clothes and my wheelchair. So far, the services have been excellent. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he added.
Families flock to Baha festivities to beat summer heat this Eid
RIYADH: As temperatures rise across Saudi Arabia, the Baha region has become a popular holiday destination, opening 80 parks, 30 tourist sites, 20 rural farms and 25 heritage locations to attract visitors seeking cooler weather during Eid Al-Adha.
The mountainous region’s moderate climate has made it appealing to families and young travelers looking to escape the heat affecting other parts of the Kingdom during the holiday, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
Ali Al-Sawat, mayor of Baha, outlined preparations for the expected visitor increase. Municipal teams carried out maintenance of public facilities, upgraded lighting, improved landscaping, enhanced main roads and public squares, installed interactive displays and sculptures, and supported volunteer teams.
Authorities stepped up cleaning and environmental health efforts while increasing monitoring of food establishments, Al-Sawat said.
The holiday program includes more than 50 cultural, entertainment, community events and volunteer initiatives, such as gift and flower distributions, children’s theater performances at Raghdan, Al-Hussam and Al-Hawiya parks, digital displays, charity visits to the elderly and patients, appearances by cartoon characters, and volunteer support for organization, cleaning and pilgrims.
In a gesture to Hajj pilgrims, authorities will distribute 3,000 roses and umbrellas in Baha, each with QR codes linking to pilgrimage guidance developed with regional Hajj coordination offices.
The region’s 20 rural farms attract families with recreational facilities set in agricultural environments, the SPA reported.
Fahd Al-Zahrani, regional director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that his office regulated and supported these farms, issued licenses for rural lodges according to regulations, and helped operators to access government programs, including the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development initiative.
Baha’s 25 architectural heritage sites highlight the national identity by showcasing ancient civilizations and contribute to the local economy. These sites continue to attract domestic and international visitors interested in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, the SPA added.
The young Saudis bridging language barriers during Hajj
- Volunteer translators allow pilgrims to overcome challenges when communicating in a foreign language
- Diversity of the global Muslim community reflected in the number of languages spoken during Hajj
RIYADH: Each year, millions of Muslims from all over the world arrive in Makkah for Hajj — united in faith, but sometimes divided by language.
From Turkish and Urdu to Swahili and Bahasa, the diversity of languages in the holy cities is vast. For many, overcoming language barriers while navigating the logistics of Hajj can be overwhelming.
That is where young Saudi volunteers step in to translate and ease some of the challenges pilgrims face.
“We speak different languages, but we’re all here for the same reason,” said Deema Ibrahim, 21.
Ibrahim’s experience volunteering as a translator began with a change of plans. “I initially joined a team for emergency medical services,” she said. “But when we arrived, we found that the ambulance units were already full. So we were redirected to work in the road guidance division.”
Her unit was based near a hotel that housed non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims. As one of the few bilingual members of her team, Ibrahim’s role became essential.
“I also assisted deaf and mute pilgrims through remote video calls,” she said. “That allowed me to support a wider group of people who would otherwise be left struggling.”
One of the most emotional moments she experienced was helping an elderly woman who had become separated from her family. “She didn’t remember much and couldn’t communicate clearly.
“We eventually found a card with her camp name, called them, and her daughters came running. They didn’t expect to find her again. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
“I did it for the reward — and for the duas.”
Saad Al-Harbi, 23, was encouraged by a friend to volunteer.
“He said, ‘You speak good English, you live in Makkah, and you’re available — why not help as a group guide and translator?’” he recalled.
Most of the questions from pilgrims were about directions. “They’d ask how to get to Arafat, or where to perform the stoning, or how to navigate from one site to another.”
But what stayed with him most was the gratitude. “On the last day of Hajj, almost everyone in our group came up to thank me. They told me my help made a difference. That meant everything.”
Maha Al-Ahmari, 24, who speaks fluent Turkish, assisted several elderly Turkish origin or Turkish-speaking pilgrims who were part of a group of North African pilgrims in Muzdalifah.
“Many of them were completely disoriented and couldn’t communicate with security or their own groups,” she said.
“Just being able to speak their language calmed them instantly. One woman kissed my hand in thanks — I’ll never forget that.”
The Kingdom’s efforts to enhance services for pilgrims include multilingual signage, smart apps with translation features, and trained staff in key areas. Still, human contact is at the heart of everything guides do — especially when emotions run high.
Ibrahim said that some of the most difficult cases involved older pilgrims who were confused, hard of hearing, or dealing with memory loss.
“The pressure increases during the days of Nafr,” she said. “People get lost easily. And when they can’t speak Arabic or English, the stress becomes dangerous.”
She credits the government’s organization — from surveillance centers to camp identification systems — for helping volunteers like her stay effective. “We had support, but the human side of it — calming someone, assuring them — that was on us.”
Faris Al-Turki, 28, who volunteered in Mina, said he used Google Translate in real time to assist a pilgrim from Central Asia. “It wasn’t perfect, but it helped. He was trying to find his medication and explain a health condition. We figured it out.”
For many volunteers, the act of translation is an act of worship. It’s a way to serve the guests of Allah — a role that holds deep spiritual meaning in Saudi culture.
“You’re not just translating words,” Al-Harbi said. “You’re translating emotion. You’re showing them that they’re not alone.”
Ibrahim agreed. “It was exhausting, physically and mentally, but it was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Despite our different languages, we were all in the same sacred space, for the same reason. That unity — you feel it.”
In the end, most volunteers do not seek recognition. They often work behind the scenes, in the heat, in the chaos, among strangers.
But for the pilgrims who meet them — the ones who are lost, confused, scared — their presence is unforgettable. A calm voice. A familiar phrase. A gesture of patience.
And when the pilgrims return home, they may not remember every building or landmark, but they will remember that young Saudi who stepped forward, understood their words, and made them feel seen.
Makkah’s 911 is truly a friend in need
MINA: Whether you have lost your way, misplaced a valuable item, or faced a moment of danger in the Makkah region, you can simply call 911, and the first thing you will hear is, “How can I help you?”
However, behind that simple question stands an army of skilled operators and a vast, sophisticated system — the Unified Security Operations Center 911 in the Makkah region, a key division of the National Center for Security Operations under the Saudi Ministry of Interior.
The center is a vital yet often unseen component of public safety, responsible for coordinating emergency responses. Its role becomes especially crucial during major events like the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Normally, the center includes representatives from around 15 security and service agencies, but this number can increase to as many as 30 during Hajj to ensure the effective management of large crowds and potential emergencies.
Located just a few kilometers from the holy sites, the facility is divided into three core sections: the call-taking hall, the dispatch hall, and the surveillance hall, which oversees the city’s extensive network of security cameras.
Speaking to Arab News, Capt. Abdulaziz bin Zuhair Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson for the NCSO, said the center receives around 40,000 calls each day, noting that 80 percent are resolved directly by call takers without the need for further escalation.
“Most of the calls we get are from people asking questions about some of the rules we have like how and when to enter Makkah, or who is allowed to enter Makkah,” Al-Ghamdi said.
During peak periods such as Hajj, the volume of calls increases. On Thursday, June 5 alone, the center handled 46,079 calls. Many of these came from pilgrims seeking assistance with finding their tents or requesting medical help.
Capt. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that only 20 percent of the calls require formal reports and are forwarded to specialized entities for further action.
“As you can see, the center is equipped with the most advanced technology. We answer calls in less than two seconds,” he said.
In addition to speed, the center also ensures accessibility, and male and female call takers are trained to respond in multiple languages, including English, French, and Urdu, to assist the diverse population of pilgrims and residents seeking help.
The spokesperson noted that once a call is received, the caller’s phone number, name, and location are immediately displayed on the center’s advanced monitoring screens. “If there is a serious case, we fill out a form and submit it to the specialized department in less than 45 seconds,” he added.
The NCSO oversees similar unified security operations centers in Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province. It is tasked with monitoring security developments across the Kingdom, analyzing threats, managing large-scale crises, and coordinating response efforts among various agencies.
Beyond reactive operations, the center proactively monitors daily developments, issues alerts to secure key installations and diplomatic missions, and coordinates security plans for national events.
In a city as densely populated and spiritually significant as Makkah, the responsibility is immense. But thanks to the unseen dedication of teams working around the clock, both residents and pilgrims benefit from a rapid and reassuring response when they need it most.
Behind every emergency call answered, there is a quiet promise of safety, delivered by professional men and women committed to protecting lives.
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