Al-Riyadh Newspaper, June 4, 2025: Hajj Pilgrimages, Economic Landscape, Poetry and Arts

These articles from Al Riyadh newspaper provide a diverse snapshot of current events and ongoing initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Multiple sources highlight the Kingdom’s significant efforts in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage, detailing preparations, security measures, and comprehensive services for pilgrims. The articles also touch upon Saudi Arabia’s expanding economic landscape, specifically mentioning growth in the asset management and real estate sectors, and discuss broader geopolitical and economic matters, including the war in Gaza, aid efforts in Sudan, and the impact of global trade policies. Finally, there are pieces covering cultural topics like poetry and arts, as well as sports news.

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Serving the Hajj Pilgrims: A Comprehensive Overview

Hajj is described in the sources as a great act of worship. Millions of Muslim pilgrims journey annually to the holiest places on Earth to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. It is an immense spiritual journey, but managing the large crowds, mixing of people, and open environments presents a unique health challenge.

Key rituals mentioned include the Day of Tarwiyah, which pilgrims spend in Mina on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, praying for acceptance and forgiveness. This is a confirmed Sunnah for those performing Hajj Ifrad or Qiran. Pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu’ enter Ihram from their locations in or outside Mecca before heading to Mina. After sunrise on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah (Day of Arafat), pilgrims proceed to Arafat for the standing, which is considered the greatest pillar of Hajj. After Arafat, they move to Muzdalifah before returning to Mina for the stoning of the Jamarat on specified days.

Serving the pilgrims is highlighted as a great honor and a national duty and priority for Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s commitment to pilgrims is reflected in its continuous development of the Hajj system, ensuring a dignified environment that respects human dignity and considers the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of pilgrims from different nationalities.

The sources detail a comprehensive range of services provided to ensure the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment of the pilgrims:

• Infrastructure and Site Preparation:
• Mina is prepared to host the pilgrims on the Day of Tarwiyah with full readiness for crowd management and ensuring their smooth movement, reinforcing the Kingdom’s mission in serving the pilgrims. Mina holds historical significance, being the site of Abraham’s stoning of the devil and the two pledges of Aqabah. Notable landmarks include the three Jamarat and Al-Khayf Mosque.
• Arafat is also prepared to receive pilgrims, with clear signs of renewal and development in sustainable infrastructure, including modern tents, prayer areas, and extensive tree planting. Projects include cooling walkways for pedestrians covering 60,000 sqm to reduce the impact of direct sun and heat stress, and misting fans in areas like the Mount of Mercy and the plazas around Namirah Mosque.
• Water Services: Infrastructure projects in Arafat include installing 2400 drinking water fountains along pedestrian paths to facilitate quick and safe access to clean water, especially during peak hours and high temperatures. The water system’s efforts are showcased at the “Hajj Media Forum”.
• Waste Management: A project to establish 70 centers for charity distribution aims to improve environmental impact and reduce waste from distribution operations.
• Health and Medical Services:
• The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with relevant entities, implements a comprehensive medical plan, reflecting the high level of preparedness.
• Hajj season has seen significant development in health and preventive readiness, moving beyond simply providing masks and sanitizers to comprehensive, coordinated plans implemented accurately in every area of the Holy Sites. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly contributed to raising awareness and readiness.
• Preventive measures are the first line of defense, ensuring the continuity and regularity of this religious obligation. Strategies are updated based on global and local health challenges.
• A vast network of medical personnel, volunteers, and official cadres work tirelessly behind the scenes. They apply instructions, guide pilgrims, and intervene when needed, forming a real part of the prevention system.
• Preventive strategies have contributed to reducing infection rates from communicable diseases to very low levels.
• Key health challenges include high temperatures and heat stress, as well as respiratory and digestive illnesses. Measures include providing fluids to pilgrims showing signs of heat stress and temporary cooling centers.
• Efforts focus on controlling respiratory illnesses through necessary vaccinations, distributing masks, and increased sanitization.
• Ministry of Defense health services operate 36 health centers with a capacity exceeding 1,040 beds, staffed by over 1,790 health and administrative personnel in hospitals and clinics across the Holy Sites.
• The Saudi Red Crescent Authority deploys over 120 ambulance units across Mecca and the Holy Sites, supported by over 100 vehicles, including 12 advanced units and 3 golf carts for difficult-to-reach areas. They have over 160 emergency medical technicians and are ready to handle disasters and crises. More than 550 volunteers work around the clock in over 200 volunteer teams.
• Riyadh Health Cluster One implemented health initiatives including “Hajj Health Tent” to receive and educate pilgrims, providing health checks and consultations. They also offer checks and guidance for bus drivers and pilgrims on the route to Mecca.
• A successful complex C-section on a patient weighing 300 kg was performed at Sabya General Hospital in Jazan Health Cluster, highlighting the medical team’s capability to handle complex cases.
• Security Services:
• Security agencies intensify their presence at the entrances of the Holy Capital to prevent violators from entering and to ensure compliance with Hajj regulations. This includes fixed and mobile checkpoints on all roads leading to Mecca.
• The strong security presence aims to organize pilgrim movement, prevent unauthorized entry, and protect the safety and security of pilgrims, avoiding human bottlenecks.
• Modern technology, including smart monitoring via cameras and security platforms, supports field teams capable of immediate response to infiltration attempts.
• Transferring or assisting violators is considered a serious offense.
• Ministry of Interior efforts are part of an integrated security and service system to enable pilgrims to perform rituals in a safe and organized environment.
• Ministry of Defense forces participate in security aspects, represented by military police in the Holy Sites, organizing crowds and securing vital locations.
• Logistical and Transportation Services:
• Ministry of Defense forces contribute to traffic flow management at main crossing points.
• Ministry of Defense air forces provide advanced air support, including surveillance and securing the skies over the Holy Sites.
• Ministry of Defense naval forces participate in securing maritime entry points and dealing with suspicious materials. They also support rescue efforts through diving teams.
• Ministry of Defense land forces contribute with specialized infantry units.
• Guidance, Awareness, and Communication:
• The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance intensifies its efforts in providing religious guidance and legal rulings to pilgrims.
• Field awareness programs include lectures and guidance lessons in designated prayer areas.
• Inquiries are answered via dedicated phone numbers.
• Translated versions of the Holy Quran and guidance materials are distributed.
• Scholars provide daily legal lessons presented accurately.
• The ministry’s activities also include overseeing the women’s section for guidance, offering similar programs by female preachers, distributing copies of the Quran, and translated booklets and Qurans.
• Um Al-Qura University, through its Institute of Hajj and Umrah Research, trains personnel serving pilgrims, provides research and translation services, awareness, guidance, communication, and media support.
• The unified care center 1966 operates 24/7 to ensure rapid response and effective support for pilgrims. It provides services in over 11 languages, covering all stages of the journey from before arrival to after departure. Services include receiving inquiries, reports, suggestions, and complaints. It utilizes modern technology for quick response times, averaging 41 seconds. Access is available via a unified number, international number, email, and the Nusuk application.
• Awareness campaigns are conducted in multiple languages to educate pilgrims on preventive measures and encourage cooperation. These messages are not built randomly but are based on respect for the pilgrim. Warnings are issued via phone apps and smart screens.
• Strategic communication plays a role in shaping international perception and countering misinformation.
• Legal Services:
• The Ministry of Justice has prepared 18 judicial circuits to handle cases within the Holy Sites (Mina, Arafat).
• Five mobile justice writing units are available to meet pilgrims’ documentation needs efficiently and quickly.
• Pilgrims can also benefit from over 160 electronic services via the ‘Najiz’ platform and its application.
• Hosting Special Guests:
• The program of Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit hosts thousands of individuals annually from across the Islamic world, reflecting the leadership’s attention to pilgrims.
• The second batch of 500 pilgrims from Gaza has arrived, bringing the total number of hosted pilgrims from Gaza to 1000 this year, as part of the generous directives. Pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Kingdom’s government for facilitating their Hajj. One hosted pilgrim from Uruguay shared his experience of fulfilling his dream of Hajj after 20 years of embracing Islam.

The sources also provide historical accounts from travelers who documented their Hajj journeys and the conditions they encountered, offering insights into services and challenges from past eras. For example, accounts mention the presence of scholars and their role in knowledge exchange. Traveler Muhammad Labib al-Batanuni described the health situation in Mecca as poor, noting a lack of hospitals. Abdul Salam bin Muhammad al-Tamkarouti documented pilgrims’ poor behavior, like crowding. The British explorer Arthur documented his journey on the Hijaz railway in 1908 during the Ottoman era, noting the resistance of some local tribes to foreign control over the region and their attacks on the train. These historical accounts highlight the evolving nature of services and the continuous efforts to improve the Hajj experience.

In conclusion, serving the pilgrims during Hajj is a multifaceted operation involving numerous entities and services, from basic needs like water and healthcare to complex logistical, security, and legal support. It is presented in the sources as a monumental effort, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep commitment to its role as the host of the Two Holy Mosques.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation and Growth

Based on the sources provided, Saudi Arabia’s economy is undergoing significant transformations and experiencing growth driven primarily by its non-oil sectors, reflecting the objectives of Vision 2030.

Here’s a discussion of Saudi economic growth based on the sources:

• Overall GDP Growth: The Saudi economy achieved a growth of 2.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. This growth is noted as being driven by the rising performance of the non-oil sector. For the full year 2024, the real GDP grew by 1.3% compared to the previous year.
• Non-Oil Sector Performance: The non-oil private sector in Saudi Arabia saw accelerated growth in May 2025, according to the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which rose to 55.8 points, up from 55.6 in April. This indicates strong expansion, although it remains below its peak of 60.5 points at the beginning of the year. Growth was boosted by an increase in new orders, improved business confidence, initiatives to attract regional headquarters of global companies, and encouraging private sector investment through the Public Investment Fund. The sources emphasize that the growth in non-oil private sector activity reflects the success of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts away from oil dependence.
• Contribution to GDP: The contribution of the non-oil sector to the total GDP has risen to 53.2% in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 5.7% increase from previous estimates. This highlights the growing importance of non-oil activities in the national economy.
• Sectoral Contributions: Within the non-oil sector, key contributing segments in Q1 2025 included wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels (contributing 11% of total GDP), followed by transport, storage, and communications (5.2%), and construction (5.1%). The growth in these specific sectors is also linked to increased economic activity.
• Asset Management Market: The value of assets managed in Saudi Arabia is reported to be around $270 billion, an increase of 150% over seven years. This market is expected to exceed $300 billion in the next few years. Key factors driving this growth are regulatory reforms, the expansion of stock and debt markets, and an increase in high-net-worth individuals. The development of the financial market is highlighted as one of the key programs of Vision 2030.
• Real Estate Investment: The Kingdom is positioning itself as a global center for real estate investment, supported by a flexible regulatory environment, advanced legislation, and economic incentives stemming from Vision 2030 objectives. The urban development projects are extensive. The real estate sector’s contribution to the domestic economy is significant. During the third quarter of 2024, 1131 licenses were issued for foreign real estate investments, indicating global investor confidence. Initiatives like imposing fees on vacant lands within urban areas aim to stimulate development and increase housing supply.
• E-commerce Growth: E-commerce in Saudi Arabia has seen significant expansion in recent years, with estimates suggesting its value exceeds 35 billion riyals. The average annual spending per individual through the internet is estimated at around 4,500 riyals. This shift reflects structural changes in consumer behavior, driven by the widespread use of smartphones, leading to more instant purchasing and digital payments.
• Government Spending: Government expenditures in the first quarter of 2025 reached an estimated 322.317 billion riyals, covering employee compensation, use of goods and services, financing expenses, subsidies, grants, social benefits, and other expenses across various sectors.
• Comprehensive Update to GDP Methodology: The General Authority for Statistics has undertaken a comprehensive update of the national GDP methodology. This strategic step reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing data quality and transparency, aligning with international best practices. The update includes incorporating new economic activities like financial technology, creative economy, logistics, and sports/entertainment, leading to a more accurate assessment of the economy’s size and composition. This provides clearer data for decision-makers and highlights the economic diversification underway.
• Strategic Economic Shifts: The sources also discuss broader economic strategies, such as leveraging the current global trade tensions as an opportunity for Arab nations to enhance self-reliance in essential goods like food and medicine, diversifying trading partners. Saudi Arabia’s historical focus on agricultural self-sufficiency since the era of King Fahd is cited as a successful example of prioritizing national sovereignty and reducing dependence on external sources, contributing to national food security.

In conclusion, the sources portray a Saudi economy that is actively diversifying away from oil, with strong performance and growth in non-oil sectors like asset management, real estate, and e-commerce. Government initiatives, supported by Vision 2030, are focused on improving infrastructure, regulatory environments, attracting investment, and enhancing data accuracy to reflect these significant economic shifts.

Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis Summary

Based on the sources provided, the situation in Gaza is characterized by ongoing conflict, severe humanitarian conditions, and specific actions by the Israeli occupation forces.

Here is a discussion of the Gaza conflict drawing on the sources:

On the 78th day of the war of extermination against the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupation forces reportedly committed a bloody massacre west of Rafah city. They opened fire on young Palestinians waiting for aid near an American-supervised distribution center. This attack resulted in the martyrdom of 27 Palestinians and injuries to dozens. The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that over 200 injuries were evacuated from the site of the targeting. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor reported that the occupation transformed the aid distribution mechanism into a tool within its system of genocide against civilians after targeting the distribution point west of Rafah, which is managed in cooperation with an American company.

Other attacks mentioned include shelling that targeted a residential apartment near the Diwan of the Najar family in the city center, leading to one Palestinian martyr and injuries to others. Three Palestinians were reportedly killed in shelling that targeted a tent for displaced persons in the northern Al-Mawasi area, south of Khan Younis. Artillery shelling continues in the southern Al-Batin area northwest of Khan Younis, resulting in injuries and damage. Occupation forces also targeted displaced persons’ tents in the western Ashdaa area near Khan Younis, which resulted in martyrs and injuries. In Deir al-Balah city center, three Palestinians were killed in shelling that targeted a tent housing displaced persons. The released prisoner Hamada al-Deirawi also became a martyr there after tents in the Swiss camp were targeted. Israeli shelling targeted the Al-Baraka area in Deir al-Balah, resulting in several martyrs and injuries among civilians. Artillery shelling continues in the Al-Twam area north and is concentrated in the Al-Shafatawi areas north of Gaza Strip, targeting Palestinian homes and their tents.

The humanitarian situation is dire. The World Food Programme warns that over two million people in the Gaza Strip suffer greatly from hunger, and many face the risk of famine. The program called for the immediate allowance of food aid entry and its rapid distribution. They stressed that lack of security and disturbances will remain a real threat unless urgent humanitarian response occurs. The government media office in Gaza stated that the Israeli occupation is turning American aid distribution centers into traps of collective death and pitfalls. The number of victims in these targeted centers has risen to 102 martyrs and 490 injured in just 8 days. They assert that these points, located in exposed and dangerous red areas controlled by the occupation army, have become mass blood traps where civilians are lured by severe famine and blockade, then deliberately shot. These points are reportedly not subject to any independent human oversight but are managed by Israeli occupation security and an American security company, making them killing points under a false humanitarian cover, classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The repeated massacres at these distribution centers daily reveal a deliberate use of aid as a tool for killing and ethnic cleansing, reaching the level of a genocide crime according to Article Two of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948.

The healthcare system is severely impacted. The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated the Israeli occupation deliberately chokes the medical system. Recent evacuations in Khan Younis pose a direct threat that could put the Nasser Medical Complex out of service, warning of an imminent health catastrophe. Nasser Medical Complex is described as the only hospital in southern Gaza providing specialized medical services, making its potential stoppage a real threat to the lives of hundreds of patients. Dozens of injured and patients in intensive care units, operating rooms, and emergency departments, in addition to children in incubators, are facing these threats. This has led to a loss of control in the medical sector, severely limiting the ability to deal with the injured. Since March 2, the Israeli occupation continues to close the crossings of the Gaza Strip to the entry of food, medical, and relief aid, causing a great deterioration in the humanitarian situation for Palestinians.

The targeting of schools is also noted. The Guardian newspaper, citing Israeli military sources, reported that repeated airstrikes on schools used as shelters in the Gaza Strip are part of a deliberate military strategy. The Israeli army reportedly eased restrictions on conducting attacks within sites holding large numbers of civilians, including schools and hospitals. Schools mentioned as targets include Al-Aishiya school in Deir al-Balah and four schools in northern Gaza: Halawa, Nasibe, Rufai, and Haliema, two of which had prior damage from shelling. The newspaper indicated the occupation army shelled at least six schools in Gaza in recent months, resulting in the martyrdom of over 120 Palestinians as part of a systematic targeting campaign. The Duraj neighborhood massacre on May 25th is highlighted, where Al-Jarjawi school was bombed, killing at least 54 Palestinians, mostly sleeping. Military sources cited confirmed classifying schools and hospitals as potential targets and sometimes carrying out attacks knowing civilians were present. This is described as a policy integrating civilian targets into military objectives, reflecting disregard for civilian lives and using disproportionate force. These incidents are added to the series of crimes committed since October 7, 2023, in the Gaza Strip with direct American support, which is referred to as a war of genocide that has resulted in over 175,000 martyrs and injured, mostly children and women.

Related actions by the Israeli occupation forces mentioned in the sources include the demolition of homes and tents in Al-Araqib village in the Negev for the 241st consecutive time. This is the seventh demolition in 2025. The residents rebuild their simple homes after each demolition and affirm their commitment to staying on their land.

Saudi Arabia’s position on the conflict is expressed in the sources. The Saudi Crown Prince’s speech on Eid al-Adha highlighted the continuation of the “heinous crimes” against “our brothers” in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the necessity of an immediate halt to this aggression and called on the international community to take all necessary measures. He stressed the importance of implementing recent UN Security Council resolutions to ensure the protection of lives in Gaza. The Kingdom reiterated its call for the international recognition of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, to enable Palestinians to obtain their legitimate rights and achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. The speech contrasts the Kingdom’s honor of serving pilgrims with the ongoing situation in Gaza. This stance reflects the Kingdom’s historical policy and commitment to defending Palestinian rights.

Syrian Reconstruction: Plans, Challenges, and Sanctions Impact

Based on the sources provided, the discussion of Syrian reconstruction involves efforts by regional and international actors, significant challenges, and emerging opportunities following the lifting of some international sanctions.

Here are some key points regarding Syrian reconstruction based on the sources:

• Saudi Arabian Support: Saudi Arabia is undertaking a significant regional role, moving towards becoming a global center for real estate investment, and this includes an active work plan to attract foreign investment, especially in the real estate sector in Syria, which is seen as able to absorb increasing market needs. The Kingdom has enacted significant changes in the form of real estate investment globally. The Saudi vision, led by the Crown Prince, aims to make the real estate sector central to national transformation. Saudi Arabia provides direct support to the Syrian people, aiming for economic recovery and empowering the Syrian government to meet its financial commitments. This support includes direct assistance for the salaries of public sector workers in Syria as part of an initiative targeting economic recovery. The Saudi move came in the context of regional cooperation, coordinating with Qatar to pay Syria’s arrears to the International Monetary Fund group, which exceeded $15 million. Saudi Arabia has hosted Arab and international parties to discuss the stability of Syria and support mechanisms for political and economic recovery. The Kingdom is described as striving to help Syria in its journey of building and development, while ensuring its sovereignty and territorial unity are preserved from foreign interventions. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to defending Palestinian rights, as highlighted in a related statement by the Saudi Crown Prince regarding the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of international recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
• Qatari Reconstruction Plans: Qatar has pledged to help war-torn Syria in its reconstruction efforts. There is a notable $7 billion plan specifically focused on building new power plants. This deal is described as representing the largest foreign investment in Syria since US sanctions were unexpectedly lifted. The plan includes building four combined cycle power plants with gas turbines and a solar power plant, but these will need three years to operate at full capacity. The Syrian government states it relies on the private sector for network repair, potentially through a leading role partnership with state companies as contractors, where these companies could sell electricity to consumers and recover investments.
• Impact of Sanction Lifting: The unexpected announcement by US President Donald Trump to lift American sanctions on Damascus is seen as a vital step towards reviving Syrian infrastructure. Following the lifting of sanctions, companies from China, Qatar, America, and Turkey have expressed interest in potential investments in Syria’s power network.
• Major Challenges: A significant hurdle to reconstruction, particularly in the power sector, is the widespread and continuous looting of electricity cables and components by armed groups. This looting happens faster than the government can make repairs. The Syrian government faces a financial hardship that prevents it from repairing the damaged network. The electricity network, which covered 99% of Syrians before 2011, now produces less than a fifth of its pre-war output, and most of this output is stolen. Syrians receive only a few hours of electricity daily. Looting hinders efforts to restore even major transmission lines. Officials state that teams work on repairs in one location while looting occurs in another.
• Economic Situation: Syria is described as being exhausted by 14 years of conflict. Some analysis suggests that given that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, any support will be gradual. However, it is also suggested that investors have room to lower prices compared to current temporary alternatives like private generators.
• Specific Private Initiatives: A Syrian businessman named Qaddour plans to invest $25 million in the electricity network in northern Syria, aiming to supply electricity to up to 150,000 homes in rural Aleppo, relying on power from neighboring Turkey.

In summary, the sources indicate that while there are significant plans and interests in Syrian reconstruction, notably from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, severe challenges like looting and the government’s financial state hinder effective progress, particularly in critical infrastructure like the power sector. The recent lifting of US sanctions appears to be opening doors for foreign investment.

Saudi Arabia Healthcare Progress and Hajj Provisions

Based on the sources provided, the discussion of healthcare development primarily focuses on the efforts and progress within Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of national strategies and the extensive provisions for pilgrims during the Hajj season.

Here are some key points regarding healthcare development:

National Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia:

• A 2024 health sector report indicates a qualitative leap in the Kingdom’s health sector, focusing on preventative health, immunization, and community awareness.
• There is an emphasis on early detection and adopting a preventative, proactive approach as the foundation for care, moving beyond a system solely focused on treatment.
• Significant progress has been made in achieving a marked reduction in targeted infectious diseases. This includes lowering infection rates for dengue, Hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, German measles, tetanus, and curbing HIV. The sources specifically note an 87.5% reduction in the rate of some of these diseases due to the expansion of immunization programs.
• This has contributed to raising the average life expectancy in the Kingdom to 78.8 years, with a target of reaching 80 years by 2030, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
• The Public Health Academy has been launched as a national training platform aimed at building and enhancing preventative competencies and strengthening the public health workforce.
• Applied research in areas like epidemics, environmental health, chronic diseases, and infectious diseases is being promoted.
• Initiatives include early detection for newborns to screen for inherited diseases and nutritional disorders.
• A national strategy for drowning prevention is being implemented through awareness programs, practical training, and cooperation with the Ministries of Education and Sports.
• The year 2024 saw contributions towards localizing health industries, aiming to achieve health security and self-sufficiency locally. 31 products were localized, and 17 mandatory agreements for national products in healthcare and pharmaceuticals were activated.
• Efforts are directed towards enhancing mental health and community well-being. This involves training individuals, teachers, and health sector staff on basic psychological support and rapid intervention during crises. Specialized training packages and accredited certificates are being developed. The goal is to expand community awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
• These initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing health outcomes and aligning the health sector with the aspirations of Vision 2030.

Healthcare Provisions During Hajj:

• Hajj presents a unique health challenge due to the large crowds and open environments.
• Preventative measures are highlighted as the first line of defense. These include comprehensive plans, distributing medical teams, training volunteers, and intensifying awareness campaigns at potential gathering points.
• The Hajj season has seen significant developments in health and preventative readiness over recent years, notably influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic lessons.
• Success in managing health risks during Hajj is attributed to prior planning, high readiness, cumulative experience in dealing with epidemics and emergencies, and investing in this experience.
• Implementing prevention strategies from the moment pilgrims arrive has contributed to reducing infectious disease rates to very low levels.
• A precise system integrates the efforts of government agencies, medical personnel, and volunteers to protect pilgrims from potential health risks.
• Common health risks for pilgrims include heatstroke and respiratory/digestive issues. Measures taken include providing fluids, temporary cooling centers to mitigate heat stress. Respiratory illness prevention involves necessary vaccinations, mask distribution, and increased sterilization. Saudi Arabia prepares annually with flexible and rapid medical strategies.
• Technology plays a vital role, such as using thermal cameras for temperature monitoring, artificial intelligence for crowd analysis, and a unified command and control center for monitoring the health situation and facilitating rapid decision-making.
• Large-scale awareness campaigns are conducted in multiple languages, encouraging pilgrims to adhere to preventative measures. This is seen as crucial for collective safety.
• There is close coordination and integration among the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Civil Defense, and other participating government entities.
• The Ministry of Health plans and provides preventative services and deploys medical staff and mobile clinics. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority serves as an extended arm in the field, deploying ambulance teams for rapid response in crowded areas. Civil Defense manages emergency cases arising from density or accidents and directs crowds to reduce health risks.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in providing guidance and delivering preventative messages in various languages.
• This integrated approach is described as a unique model in managing health during large gatherings, where human expertise, modern technology, political will, and updated emergency plans come together.
• Specific healthcare providers participate, such as the Riyadh Health Cluster offering preventative services, check-ups, and consultations through initiatives like the “Health Tent for Pilgrims”.
• Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group also participates, operating medical centers in the holy sites to provide diagnostic and curative services using their experience in field medical care for large gatherings.
• The Ministry of Defense Health Services operates 36 health centers and field hospitals in the holy sites with over 1,040 beds and over 1,790 staff as part of their comprehensive medical plan for Hajj.
• The SFDA Hajj operations center ensures food and drug safety for pilgrims through field inspectors and coordination.
• The Saudi Red Crescent Authority deploys over 120 ambulance units and over 100 vehicles in the holy sites, supported by technical staff and volunteers, working around the clock for high-quality emergency services.

Advanced Medical Capabilities:

• The successful performance of a complex cesarean section surgery on a patient with extreme obesity and related conditions at Sabya General Hospital in the Jazan Health Cluster demonstrates the capability to handle challenging medical cases with high standards, coordination, and specialized medical teams.

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By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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