The meeting, held in Riyadh, focused on enhancing organizational procedures, improving digital systems, and strengthening international collaboration. It was organized alongside the fifth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global Hajj management.

Al-Rabiah praised the successful completion of the Hajj 2025 season, thanking all participating nations for their cooperation and professionalism. He acknowledged the combined efforts of the Hajj offices that helped millions of pilgrims perform their rituals safely and comfortably.

The minister urged all Hajj offices to finalize their contracts for services by early January 2026.
He emphasized that early planning ensures smooth coordination and guarantees pilgrims receive top-quality services throughout their spiritual journey.

Key regulatory updates were announced, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to modernization and digital transformation in Hajj operations. All service contracts, including accommodation and camp arrangements, must be finalized well ahead of schedule to ensure full readiness.

Among the new measures, Al-Rabiah stressed the importance of issuing Hajj visas before March 20, 2026, with no extensions beyond that date. He also called for awareness campaigns to educate pilgrims about avoiding unauthorized travel or fraudulent agencies.

A “health capability certificate” will now be mandatory for all pilgrims, verified through the Masar electronic platform. This initiative aims to safeguard the well-being of pilgrims and ensure medical readiness during the pilgrimage.

The minister also announced strict regulations for financial transactions, requiring all payments related to sacrificial animals to go through authorized channels only.
This includes the official Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi, ensuring transparency and ethical compliance.

In a push toward digital efficiency, the Nusuk card will be made mandatory for entry into the Grand Mosque and other holy sites.
This digital identification will streamline access control and enhance the overall safety of the pilgrimage experience.

Al-Rabiah emphasized that all administrative, medical, and media staff information must be uploaded between November and December.
The aim is to ensure smooth coordination between international delegations and Saudi authorities during the pilgrimage period.

He also urged Hajj offices to finalize flight reservations and airline partnerships by early January 2026. This proactive approach, he said, helps manage the large-scale logistics of transporting millions of pilgrims efficiently.

All transactions, including administrative and financial processes, will be conducted exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
This centralized system will improve transparency, reduce errors, and promote faster communication between global Hajj missions.

Al-Rabiah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to facilitating the spiritual journey of Muslims worldwide. He said these reforms reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to innovation, hospitality, and safety in every aspect of the Hajj experience.

The minister’s vision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation goals under Vision 2030. By integrating smart technology, global partnerships, and sustainability, the Hajj and Umrah sector continues to evolve as a global benchmark.

Officials from multiple countries expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s efforts to streamline procedures and ensure equality in pilgrim services. The collaborative approach, they noted, enhances unity among Muslim nations and strengthens trust in Saudi Arabia’s Hajj leadership.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to improving coordination between domestic and international authorities.
With continued innovation and partnership, Hajj 2026 is expected to set new standards in organization, safety, and spiritual excellence.

The Hajj, set to begin on June 4, will see the convergence of pilgrims from over 180 countries on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, reaffirming the Kingdom’s enduring role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites. But with global temperatures on the rise, Saudi officials are racing against time to prevent heat-related incidents.

“Pilgrims’ Safety Is Our Top Priority”

Speaking ahead of the pilgrimage, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah emphasized the urgent need to adapt to the growing threat of heatwaves.

“One of the big challenges we face is the increasing temperature across the years. This is an issue to which we give top priority,” Al-Rabiah said. He highlighted the Kingdom’s integration of technology and strategic infrastructure to safeguard pilgrims.

Indeed, the urgency of this commitment became evident when the Ministry of Health confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion on Friday among pilgrims performing early rituals. All patients received immediate care and are now in stable condition.

Health teams remain on high alert, stationed throughout the holy sites with rapid response units and mobile clinics. The ministry has issued a series of health advisories urging pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, use shaded paths, and report early signs of fatigue or heatstroke. Multilingual public awareness campaigns have been launched to ensure the message reaches every corner of the diverse pilgrim community.

Cooling Infrastructure and High-Tech Surveillance

To alleviate the impact of the blistering summer heat, authorities have added 50,000 square meters of shaded areas across key pilgrimage zones. Over 400 misting fans and cooling stations have been installed, and major walkways have been resurfaced with heat-reflective asphalt to reduce ground temperatures.

Inside the Grand Mosque, renovation and extension projects are being accelerated to reduce congestion and provide ample space for air circulation. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has also ramped up food and pharmaceutical safety inspections to ensure the quality and safety of consumables.

Dr. Hisham S. Al-Jadhey, CEO of the SFDA, conducted a high-profile inspection of the authority’s operations in Makkah. His visit included tours of food warehouses, medical supply storage facilities, and the SFDA’s advanced Hajj Operations Center.

He reiterated the importance of deploying modern technology, including AI-powered monitoring systems, to oversee field inspections and logistics. “Ensuring the safety of all food and medicine for pilgrims is a great honor and a responsibility we take seriously,” Al-Jadhey stated.

The SFDA’s mobile inspection teams are now equipped with body cameras, real-time data systems, and AI-enhanced tools that monitor storage conditions, regulatory compliance, and product expiration.

Revolutionizing Healthcare with Robotics

In a pioneering move, the Ministry of Health has launched a robotic surgery program at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. The initiative, which marks a significant advancement in digital healthcare, aims to deliver precise surgical interventions during Hajj, when healthcare facilities often experience peak demand.

The project is part of a broader vision to transform the healthcare landscape using telemedicine, smart diagnostics, and AI-based triage systems. Emergency hospitals in Mina and other critical locations have been equipped with advanced life-support systems, ICU beds, and multilingual medical staff.

During his inspection, Dr. Al-Jadhey also met with Dr. Abdullah bin Rashoud Al-Algwizani, CEO of the Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya), to discuss the ongoing collaboration between their respective institutions. The leaders reviewed plans to integrate public health data with regulatory oversight to better anticipate and respond to potential outbreaks or emergencies during Hajj.

AI-Powered Pilgrimage Management

The Kingdom’s technological transformation has become a cornerstone of Hajj planning. Drones equipped with surveillance cameras are being used to monitor crowds in real time, relaying data to command centers to prevent stampedes and swiftly identify medical emergencies.

“We use advanced AI technologies to do this monitoring and get fast feedback,” said Al-Rabiah. “This allows us to intervene in real time and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

Additionally, AI systems are now tracking weather patterns, air quality, and crowd density, helping authorities make data-driven decisions about crowd control, emergency evacuations, and service distribution.

Tightening Security with Smart Surveillance

To prevent unauthorized individuals from participating in the pilgrimage—a factor blamed for many of the heat-related deaths during last year’s Hajj—the Ministry of Interior has tightened surveillance and access controls.

Using AI-enabled facial recognition, smart checkpoints, and digital permit systems, authorities are monitoring the flow of people into the holy sites. Unauthorized pilgrims attempting to enter without official Hajj permits face fines, detention, and deportation.

Security officials say these measures are essential to manage crowd numbers and ensure the safety of registered pilgrims, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Global Collaboration and Diplomatic Coordination

Behind the scenes, diplomatic missions from dozens of countries are working closely with Saudi agencies to ensure their nationals have access to essential services, emergency assistance, and cultural guidance.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also expanded its digital portal to streamline pilgrim registration, accommodation booking, and transportation services. The system, now integrated with biometric identification, allows for faster movement through immigration and security checkpoints.

A Vision Rooted in Service

As the Kingdom welcomes the Hajj season, its preparations reflect a broader commitment to Vision 2030 — a national transformation plan that aims to position Saudi Arabia as a hub of innovation and spiritual leadership.

This year’s Hajj, with its fusion of faith, technology, and international cooperation, encapsulates the Kingdom’s evolving role on the global stage. It is a message not only of religious devotion but also of human dignity, compassion, and progress.

By blending centuries-old traditions with 21st-century solutions, Saudi Arabia is setting a global standard for pilgrimage management—ensuring that every pilgrim can perform their rites in safety, comfort, and peace.