Saudi forces hold military parade ahead of Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah

Crowd management in Hajj is a critical concern due to the huge influx of pilgrims on the holy sites

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  Members of Saudi Arabia's security forces take part in a military parade in Makkah, as pilgrims from around the world arrive for Hajj. All photos: SPA

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  The show of military strength took place as Muslim pilgrims are converging on the holy city of Makkah for the largest Hajj since the Covid pandemic curtailed access

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  Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam

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  Talal Al Shalhoub, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, highlighted the forces' preparedness to meet the expectations of the Saudi leadership

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  Each year, millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converge on Makkah to perform a series of deeply spiritual rituals

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  Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, emphasised the critical role of pilgrims' co-operation and adherence to regulations

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  Saudi authorities have bolstered security procedures after a fatal stampede near the Jamarat area in 2015

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  This year's security plan for Hajj has been boosted by advanced technology and artificial intelligence

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  The ceremony, which was held in Makkah, was attended by a number of senior government officials and commanders of the security forces

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  The parade demonstrated the readiness of the security sector participating in this year’s Hajj

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  A number of military displays and drills were presented to dignitaries

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  Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, presided over the parade

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  The Minister of Interior witnessed security drills by the Special Emergency Forces concerned with confronting terrorism and armed violence

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  The Saudi Interior Minister reaffirmed the readiness of the Hajj security forces to carry out their tasks in preserving the security and safety of pilgrims

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  Saudi Arabia is working to expand the use of AI and modern technology to ensure an increase in the quality of services for Hajj pilgrims

A military parade in Makkah has showcased security forces' readiness to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Crowd management is a major concern during Hajj. More than 1.8 million Muslims performed the annual pilgrimage last year, according to official figures.

“The parade held in Makkah demonstrated the readiness of the security sectors … to provide the highest levels of security and safety for the guests of God so as to enable them to perform the rituals of Hajj in ease and comfort,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Military displays and drills were also presented, which included a review of the most prominent modern mechanisms used in Hajj missions this year,” the agency said.

The parade, presided over by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, also featured air displays, including security aircraft that will be used to monitor crowds and equipment at the holy sites, it added.

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it a fundamental practice for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to make the trip.

Each year, millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converge on Makkah to perform a series of deeply spiritual rituals, seeking forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and unity.

Talal Al Shalhoub, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, reiterated that the forces were ready to meet the Saudi leadership's expectations of ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage this year.

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“The security forces are fully equipped to mitigate any threats to the pilgrims' safety,” said Lt Gen Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Bassami, director of public security and head of the Hajj Security Committee. “The current security strategies have been refined based on thorough evaluations of past plans.”

Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, on Monday emphasised the critical role pilgrims play by adhering to Hajj regulations.

“We also launched an international awareness campaign in over 20 countries aimed at educating pilgrims on the importance of following Hajj regulations and cautioning against potential scams,” Dr Al Rabiah said.

Prince Abdulaziz also reviewed operations at the Civil Defence Command and Control Center in Mina.

Muslim worshippers walk between the Marwa and Safa hills at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on June 4, ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage. AFP

Mina, known as the “City of Tents”, comes to life during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Covering over 20 square kilometres, it houses millions of pilgrims in thousands of air-conditioned, fire-resistant tents. This vast settlement, around 5km east of the Grand Mosque, provides temporary accommodation for worshippers performing essential Hajj rituals, such as the symbolic stoning of the devil during the last three days of the pilgrimage.

Saudi authorities have upped their security procedures following a stampede in the Jamarat area in 2015 that resulted in the deaths of at least 700 pilgrims, in one of the deadliest incidents in the pilgrimage's history.

Maj Gen Hammoud bin Suleiman Al Faraj, the acting director general of Civil Defence, presented the plan for this year’s Hajj which incorporates advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.

“These innovations include a smart platform equipped with surveillance cameras designed to detect smoke, fire, emergencies, and forecast risks, thereby enhancing the civil defence teams' response time and effectiveness in providing necessary assistance,” Mr Al Faraj said.

Dr Al Rabiah has urged pilgrims to get their required vaccinations to avoid the cancellation of their Hajj permits.

Pilgrims must ensure they get the meningococcal vaccine to prevent the spread of infections that are common in crowded conditions.