Saudi Arabia authorities are credited for their management of Hajj 2025 after 1.67 million pilgrims completed the pivotal Day of Arafat on Thursday without any significant reported security or health incidents.

Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, credited the Kingdom’s integrated service system and strategic planning for the smooth, calm atmosphere that marked the day.

“Pilgrims were transported from Makkah and Mina to Arafat in record time, under flexible and efficient plans, with no security or epidemic incidents reported — all by the grace of God,” he said from Arafat.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed the successful completion of the movement of pilgrims to Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, noting that the operation proceeded smoothly and on schedule. The transfer was executed under a unified operational model via the Joint Operations and Dispatching Center — a key innovation in this year’s Hajj.

Modern buses and the Mashair Train were used to transport pilgrims under tight timetables and high-security measures, resulting in orderly distribution across Arafat camps. Artificial intelligence played a crucial role in managing crowd flow, analyzing real-time data to predict congestion and dynamically redirect groups. A 24/7 monitoring center supported by a smart camera network ensured instant coordination with relevant authorities. Additionally, the digital “Nusuk” card — integrated with the “Nusuk” and “Tawakkalna” platforms — enabled precise tracking of pilgrim movements through QR codes, enhancing punctuality and control within the holy sites.

This strategy included simulations for various crowd scenarios, readiness assessments, and close coordination among all involved agencies — forming the backbone of the sustainable operational model for Hajj 1446.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced a 90% decrease in heat exhaustion cases compared to last year. Officials attributed this to proactive preventive interventions, widespread awareness campaigns, and seamless coordination between health authorities and other sectors — aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 through the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

Prince Saud expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for mobilizing massive resources to serve the guests of God, and acknowledged Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif’s role in overseeing operational plans. He also thanked the security forces, volunteers, and service teams: “Continue your noble mission — we are proud of you.”

With the successful completion of Arafat, pilgrims are now proceeding toward Muzdalifah, followed by the symbolic stoning rituals in Mina — as Hajj 2025 continues under the Kingdom’s advanced, digitally enabled management framework.