KHALIDH RIZWAN
COLOMBO
As Hajj 2025 concludes, more than 1.6 million Muslims from across the globe, including over 3,500 Sri Lankan pilgrims have successfully completed this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. This year’s Hajj not only reflected the timeless devotion of Muslims worldwide but also showcased the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s extensive preparations and strategic innovations to ensure the safety, comfort, and spirituality of the pilgrims. The Saudi government’s efforts were visible at every critical stage and site of the Hajj from Makkah to Arafat, Muzdalifah to Mina, and the sacred mosques in Makkah and Madina.
The journey began at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the most sacred site in Islam and home to the Holy Kaaba. This year, Masjid al-Haram saw unprecedented enhancements. The Saudi authorities expanded the mosque’s cooling infrastructure, introducing the world’s largest mosque air-conditioning system. More than 4,000 ventilations and misting fans were strategically placed to maintain indoor temperatures amid the scorching 40°C heat. In addition, over 5,000 workers were deployed daily to sanitize the area, with thousands of liters of disinfectants used to preserve hygiene.
The government also improved digital services. Pilgrims had access to high-speed 5G internet and were encouraged to use the “Nusuk” and “Tawakkalna” apps, which provided prayer schedules, health alerts, emergency assistance, and real-time crowd navigation. Advanced facial recognition cameras and AI-driven surveillance ensured tight security, while digital wristbands helped track and assist lost or distressed pilgrims. The Smart Hajj app, launched this year, integrated medical support, location sharing, and guidance for each ritual.
After the rites in Makkah, pilgrims traveled to Mina, the tent city that houses millions for the days of Tashreeq. The Saudi government maintained over 100,000 air-conditioned tents equipped with fireproofing, clean water supply, and smart energy systems. To ease crowding, the Tanazul scheme was again implemented, allowing flexible scheduling for rituals and stay durations. Transport between locations was modernized through the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line, which carried over 350,000 pilgrims daily between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The government ensured that logistics at Mina were seamless by digitizing crowd control and deploying more than 60,000 security and emergency personnel.
The spiritual climax of Hajj was reached at Mount Arafat, where pilgrims stood in deep prayer from noon until sunset on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. Saudi authorities made considerable improvements here, too. Mist fans and shaded rest areas were established throughout the plain of Arafat. Namirah Mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon, was refurbished with state-of-the-art cooling systems and additional sound systems. The Arafat sermon was translated live into 20 languages and broadcast worldwide. Mobile medical teams, air and land ambulances, and emergency tents were stationed at strategic points to respond quickly to any heat-related and other health related emergencies.
After sunset, pilgrims made their way to Muzdalifah, where they prayed and collected pebbles for the next day’s ritual. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj ensured the area was well-lit and had upgraded sanitation services. Temporary shelters and water stations were installed to provide rest and hydration. The metro system functioned through the night to reduce foot traffic and prevent crowding along the 9 km stretch between Arafat and Mina.
Returning to Mina, pilgrims performed Ramy al-Jamarat, the symbolic stoning of the devil. The three Jamarat pillars have long been a site of high congestion, but this year, the multi-tiered Jamarat Bridge system operated with expanded lanes and segregated time slots to prevent overcrowding. AI-enabled drones monitored the crowd flow in real-time, while 10,000 surveillance cameras ensured maximum safety. The ritual of animal sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion, was modernized through the Saudi Adahi program. Pilgrims were able to pay online for their sacrifices, which were managed hygienically in modern slaughterhouses, with meat distributed to underprivileged communities around the world.
After Mina, pilgrims returned to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, followed by the farewell circumambulation known as Tawaf al-Wadaa. This marked the formal end of their pilgrimage. Throughout the process, Saudi Arabia ensured that water supply (including millions of Zamzam water bottles), sanitation, and medical services remained uninterrupted. Hundreds of multilingual volunteers and digital kiosks were positioned across all sites to guide and assist international pilgrims.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia also upgraded Masjid an-Nabawi in Madina, which many pilgrims visit either before or after Hajj. The mosque now features over 780 new air conditioning units and expanded shaded courtyards. Smart cleaning robots were deployed for continuous sanitation. New hotel projects, including Four Seasons and Radisson, added over 900 high-quality rooms to support Hajj and Umrah visitors.
Environmental consciousness was also a part of the 2025 Hajj. Over 10,000 trees were planted around key areas to reduce heat exposure. New rubber flooring was laid in open areas to prevent heat absorption and reduce foot injuries. The Kingdom’s efforts reflect its Vision 2030 goals, aiming for sustainable and tech-enabled pilgrimage services.
On last Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised the successful completion of this year’s Hajj season, attributing it to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims. Speaking at a reception at Mina Palace on behalf of King Salman, he expressed pride in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure the comfort and safety of the “Guests of God.” The crown prince also commended government workers and volunteers for their dedication in facilitating a smooth and peaceful Hajj experience
For Sri Lankans, Hajj 2025 was particularly meaningful due to the agreement on Hajj arrangements signed in Jeddah earlier this year. The pact, signed by Dr. Sunil Senevi, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, outlined specific quotas, air travel arrangements, and logistical guarantees. The Sri Lankan Hajj Committee ensured strict regulation of local tour operators and introduced a mobile app for grievance redressal, making this one of the most organized pilgrimages in years.
Additionally, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guest Program for Hajj, initiated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, 2,300 pilgrims from various countries including 1,000 Palestinians have been granted the opportunity to perform Hajj this year, as in previous years. Among them are 20 Sri Lankan pilgrims. From the moment of their arrival in Saudi Arabia until their return home, all pilgrims under this program have been provided with high-quality services and facilities, as is customary. These pilgrims are scheduled to return home on the 12th, having completed their Hajj pilgrimage.
