Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

JEDDAH: A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage.

Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support.

Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year.

“We have enhanced our services in very small things,” he said. “Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest.

“We’ve also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.”

These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity.

“Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.”

Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services.

“The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,” Mahfouz added.

Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage.

“We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,” he said.

“Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.”

To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. “We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,” Hamed added.

Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage’s spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful.

Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. “The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam.

“Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.”

These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation’s pilgrimage and tourism offerings.

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs inspected holy sites on Thursday to ensure preparations were complete to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh inaugurated eight development projects worth more than $9 million (SR33.7 million) as part of the tour.

The development projects include upgrades at Namira Mosque in Arafat.

These feature the installation of 19 structural umbrellas, similar to those at the Prophet’s Mosque, and heat-reflective coatings applied to floor surfaces in the mosque’s courtyard, reducing temperatures by up to 10 C in shaded areas.

The tour also marked the second phase of the courtyard cooling project, including the installation of 98 misting fans in and around Namira Mosque.

In Mina, 57 misting fans were installed as part of improvements at Al-Khaif Mosque and public restrooms.

A total of 70 cold water production units, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, were installed to supply as many as 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

Other upgrades include the installation of an integrated audio, surveillance and lighting control system managed via a centralized electronic unit.

Carbon dioxide monitoring devices have also been installed for the first time to ensure indoor air quality for worshippers.

Additional upgrades included the modernization of air conditioning and ventilation systems at Namira and Al-Khaif mosques; restoration of Namira Mosque, including improved insulation and operational efficiency; and the renovation of Hajjaj Al-Barr Mosque in Mina. The total value of these projects exceeds $9 million.

Following the tour and projects inauguration, Al-Sheikh praised the generous support of the country’s leadership for pilgrims attending Hajj.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.

The minister said that continuous support has empowered the ministry to fulfill its responsibilities in preparing the sites of worship, developing infrastructure and delivering services.