The ritual, known as the “greatest pillar” of Hajj, marks a central moment of spiritual reflection, prayer, and unity for Muslims as they stand on the sacred plain from noon to sunset.

 

Saudi Arabia announced that more than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived from outside the Kingdom to perform Hajj this year. The total number of pilgrims, including domestic ones, has not been officially disclosed.

 

Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, who also chairs the Supreme Hajj Committee, reviewed preparations by the Special Emergency Forces. The forces are tasked with crowd control, organizing the stoning ritual at Mina, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety of pilgrims following the official security plan.

 

During his visit, the prince received a briefing from force commanders on operational readiness and crowd management strategies, particularly at the Jamarat site.

 

He also inspected development projects aimed at improving pilgrim safety and movement. These upgrades include six new support service buildings and eleven buildings for escalators, housing a total of 386 electric escalators, as well as moving walkways and air-cooling systems as part of a heat-stress reduction project in the eastern courtyard of the Jamarat facility.