Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah witnessed on Wednesday the launch of the third pre-Hajj simulation exercise aimed at transporting around 1.4 million pilgrims from within the Kingdom and abroad through over 65,000 trips.

The exercise, conducted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, involved participation from more than 40 ministries and relevant authorities, covering over 95% of the actual pilgrims' camp sites and including over 900 targeted operation points.

As part of the ministry's preparations for this year's Hajj season, 1445 AH, the exercise aimed to achieve maximum field readiness in the holy sites. It focused on ensuring the effectiveness of technical systems and their integration with the infrastructure to support transportation and movement operations.

The exercise tested the operational and planning capabilities of the companies involved and aimed to enhance the competency of the relevant staff. It included five targeted transport operations through 14 main movement routes and involved more than 8,000 buses representing 63 transportation companies.

Conducted in cooperation with all security and regulatory authorities involved in Hajj, the exercise included more than 20,000 individuals. This was the third of five simulation exercises organized by the ministry at specified times to enhance preparedness to serve the Hajj pilgrims.