HAJ NAMA ’26
The third part of the Haj Nama series gives an insider’s view of the massive preparations undertaken by the Saudi government in the holy sites to provide ease and comfort to the pilgrims
MINA — Within a matter of days, the valley in the heart of Makkah has been transformed into a fully integrated metropolis, managed with exceptional efficiency to accommodate millions of pilgrims converging in a majestic display of faith.
Operating as a highly advanced “seasonal smart city,” Mina is defined not only by the vast expanse of white tents blanketing its slopes, but by the staggering scale of the operational apparatus functioning behind the scenes. This logistical framework encompasses power and cooling grids, crowd management protocols, pedestrian mobility mapping, and real-time flow control, seamlessly integrated with security, healthcare, and food services. Together, these elements establish the holy sites as a unique global model for mass-gathering management.
The upgraded tent infrastructure in Mina covers approximately 2.5 million square meters, engineered to rigorous safety and security standards, providing a capacity that exceeds 2.6 million pilgrims.
With each Haj season, Mina transcends its role as a mere hosting ground; it functions as a dynamic project aimed at continuously elevating the pilgrim experience. This year, Mina witnessed the implementation of major spatial development projects centred on the concept of “urban humanisation.” These initiatives fundamentally enhanced the physical environment by expanding shaded areas and rest zones, upgrading the urban landscape, and designing highly flexible, streamlined pedestrian pathways.
What truly distinguishes Mina is its unique rhythm. It is a city that achieves peak population density for a few days, returns to absolute tranquillity upon the completion of the rituals, and immediately begins preparations for an even more advanced Haj in the next season.
As evening falls, the illuminated pathways fill with throngs of pilgrims moving seamlessly between their tents and the Jamarat, creating a magnificent tableau of humanity united in faith. This profound scene reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology and vast resources to serve pilgrims. Guided by long-term strategic plans, relevant authorities continuously develop the holy sites to increase operational efficiency, mitigate heat stress, and elevate the overall pilgrim experience, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as the undisputed global leader in crowd management.
Day of Tarwiyah
The religious rites performed on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, marked the beginning of the Haj pilgrimage rituals. Pilgrims entered the state of Ihram and travelled from Makkah to Mina, a valley located approximately 7–8 kilometres away.
Pilgrims offered the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in Mina, shortening the four-unit prayers to two units without combining them, followed by the Fajr prayer the next morning.
The day is dedicated to rest, reflection on the Day of Judgment, and preparing spiritually and physically for the Day of Arafat, which is the central pillar of Haj.
Traveling to Mina and staying there before the Day of Arafat is considered Sunnah (recommended) rather than obligatory; it is a core prophetic practice. If a pilgrim chooses to proceed directly to Arafat to avoid crowds or exhaustion, the Haj remains valid.
Red Crescent Activates Services
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Madinah Region activated its stroke pathway protocol for a 57-year-old Egyptian pilgrim after responding to a medical emergency at the Prophet’s Mosque.
Director General of the authority’s branch in Madinah Ahmed Al-Zahrani said emergency teams responded to the case within one minute and 39 seconds after the pilgrim experienced stroke symptoms. Following an emergency assessment and preliminary examinations, signs consistent with a stroke were identified, prompting the immediate activation of the stroke pathway in accordance with approved medical protocols.
Al-Zahrani added that the patient was transferred to the nearest hospital to receive the necessary medical treatment. He affirmed the continued readiness and deployment of emergency teams at the Prophet’s Mosque and the surrounding Central Area to ensure rapid response to emergency cases in the service of pilgrims and visitors.
Advanced Digital Systems in Place
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has upgraded its technical infrastructure at Jeddah, Madinah and Taif International Airports to streamline entry procedures for arriving pilgrims during the Haj season.
Working in coordination with other airport government agencies, SDAIA has optimised its digital platforms, network systems, and operational workstations to ensure high-efficiency processing.
Specialised technical and engineering teams remain deployed around the clock to monitor system readiness, provide immediate technical support, and maintain seamless operational continuity.
The Haj Management Authority showcased the latest technological solutions, digital experiences, and artificial intelligence innovations transforming media coverage for the Haj season.
Featuring broad participation from governmental, private, and non-profit entities, high-quality services are provided to pilgrims while empowering local and international media outlets to broadcast coverage with advanced professionalism.
Supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the event also features specialised workshops focused on utilising modern tech and AI to accelerate information dissemination and elevate content creation standards across the media sector.
Mina – World’s Largest Tent City
Saudi Arabia is witnessing remarkable progress in the manufacturing and operation of the holy sites tents project, establishing a global model for operational efficiency and exceptional pilgrim services at Mina, which is transformed every year into the largest tent city on the occasion of Haj.
Representing a significant effort and planning, the massive tent system was developed, manufactured, and operated entirely through Saudi expertise, ensuring the highest international standards of quality.
The tent network relies on a highly integrated structural framework designed to maximise safety. Manufactured from specialised fire- and water-resistant materials, the tents are equipped with state-of-the-art automatic alarm and fire suppression systems, ensuring a high level of security and comfort for pilgrims.
The man
ufacturing process utilises advanced materials, including Teflon-coated fiberglass fabrics, which significantly enhance the structures’ resistance to intense heat, fire, and fluctuating weather conditions. Spanning an astonishing 2.5 million square metres, the complex can accommodate approximately 2.6 million pilgrims, making Mina the largest tent city in the world. This monumental scale reflects Saudi Arabia’s meticulous urban planning and its unwavering commitment to providing an optimal environment for pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease.
Ultimately, the holy sites tents project stands as a powerful testament to the advanced capabilities of the Saudi industrial sector. It is a national success story that reinforces the country’s pride in its localised manufacturing potential and its profound dedication to serving the pilgrims.
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Asad Mirza is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs.
