By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Saudi Arabia’s Kidana Development Company says it has completed a wide range of infrastructure and service upgrades across the holy sites in Makkah ahead of this year’s Hajj, aimed at improving comfort, safety and movement for pilgrims.

The company, which serves as the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said the second phase of new rest areas along pedestrian routes has been completed, adding 36,000 square metres of space for pilgrims. The areas include seating zones, shaded canopies, misting fans and rubber flooring to ease movement between sites.

Kidana also confirmed major expansion in greening efforts, with more than 60,000 trees planted to improve the environment and reduce heat stress in the holy areas during the pilgrimage season.

At the Jamarat Bridge area, 400 misting-fan columns have been installed across two phases, designed to cool the space and serve around 180,000 pilgrims per hour during the stoning ritual.

In Mina, restroom facilities have been expanded to 7,838 units across 79 two-storey complexes, following the addition of 18 new complexes to reduce congestion and waiting times.

To improve mobility, 74 escalators are now in operation across Mina, including 10 newly installed units in key locations to support the movement of pilgrims between sites.

Cooling and shading works have also been expanded at Mount Arafat, covering more than 272,000 square metres with new canopies, misting systems and cooling units to reduce heat exposure.

Across pedestrian routes, over 240,000 square metres have been developed with shaded walkways, green spaces, misting systems and charging stations to support pilgrims’ comfort and connectivity.

Kidana further said advanced monitoring systems have been activated to manage water tanks, cooling systems, electricity networks and sanitation facilities across the holy sites to ensure smooth operations throughout Hajj.

The company added that the upgrades are part of Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to enhance services for pilgrims and ensure a safer and more comfortable Hajj experience.

Source: Arab News