Makkah, May 29, 2025 (2 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH) — As part of the Kingdom's preparations for the Hajj 1446 AH season, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh inspected the readiness of the ministry's facilities at the Holy Sites, and during his tour inaugurated eight quality development projects aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and field services provided to the guests of God, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership to deliver the highest standards of quality and comfort for pilgrims.

The completed projects included finishing the development of Namirah Mosque at the Arafat holy site, most notably:

  • Installing 19 structural canopies similar to those at the Prophet's Mosque to lower temperatures.
  • Painting floors with reflective materials that reduce shaded-area temperatures by about 10 degrees.
  • Installing 98 mist fans to cool the atmosphere in Namirah Mosque's rear courtyards.
  • Preparing Khaif Mosque and its restrooms by installing 57 new mist fans.
  • A chilled-water project for pilgrims, installing 70 cold-water units with a capacity of 1,000 liters each, sufficient to serve 140,000 pilgrims per hour.
  • Installing a central control system for sound, lighting, surveillance cameras and carbon-dioxide monitoring devices to ensure worshippers' safety.

The projects also included updating air-conditioning and ventilation systems at Namirah and Khaif mosques, in addition to comprehensive renovations at Namirah Mosque, improving operational efficiency and replacing insulation materials, along with renovating Mina's roadside pilgrims' mosque, at a total cost exceeding SAR 35.8 million.

The minister praised the substantial support provided by the wise leadership — may God protect it — enabling the ministry to carry out these projects, which help raise the efficiency of facilities and services at the Holy Sites and provide a safe, well-prepared environment for pilgrims to perform their rites with ease and reassurance.

He affirmed that these projects build on a series of development projects implemented in previous years, reflecting Saudi Vision 2030's goal of elevating the quality of religious and logistical services provided at the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites, reinforcing the Kingdom's leading standing in serving the guests of God.