Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — As part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims during Hajj 2025, Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), conducted a field tour of SFDA operations in Makkah.

The visit focused on evaluating the readiness of regulatory services and the implementation of the Authority’s operational plans for the pilgrimage season.

Dr. Aljadhey emphasized to SFDA inspectors and monitors the critical importance of safeguarding the food and medicine consumed by pilgrims.

He commended the dedication of teams deployed across all sites under SFDA’s jurisdiction, describing their work as a national duty and an honor in service to the guests of the Holy Mosque.

The tour included a visit to the SFDA’s Hajj Operations Center, where Aljadhey reviewed real-time coordination with other government agencies, inspection monitoring procedures, and support systems in place for field teams.

Officials demonstrated the use of advanced tools, including body-worn cameras, smart sensors, and digital inspection systems integrated with artificial intelligence, which help enhance regulatory efficiency and ensure the safety of products distributed during Hajj.

Aljadhey also inspected SFDA’s base in the regulatory zone of the Holy Sites area, which oversees surveillance of food factories and storage facilities.

Field teams presented procedures for collecting food samples and sending them for lab testing to verify safety standards, using digital platforms that support traceability and rapid data analysis.

The tour continued with a visit to Mina’s Emergency Hospital, where Dr. Aljadhey met with Dr. Abdullah Al-Algwizani, CEO of the Public Health Authority “Weqaya.”

Discussions focused on collaborative efforts between the two entities to strengthen public health protections for pilgrims.

At the National Health Emergency and Crisis Management Center, Aljadhey was briefed on integrated efforts by various health and regulatory authorities.

He stressed the significance of coordination in managing health emergencies and enhancing regulatory effectiveness throughout the Hajj season.

The SFDA teams showcased cutting-edge analytical and AI tools deployed to bolster public health oversight and ensure that all food and drug products meet stringent safety requirements, reinforcing the Authority’s role in supporting a safe and seamless pilgrimage.