Saudi authorities have announced the completion of extensive preparations for the Hajj season, deploying 22,000 workers and 88,000 waste units.
The deployment also includes smart technologies and operational systems aimed at improving safety, cleanliness and services for pilgrims across the holy sites.
The preparations are part of an integrated operational plan overseen by multiple Saudi entities to enhance the experience of pilgrims arriving from around the world during the annual pilgrimage season.
According to official statement, the huge deployment is to serve pilgrims around the clock.
It said that over 13,000 cleaning workers had been assigned to maintain hygiene standards across the holy sites and surrounding areas.
Authorities also announced the deployment of more than 88,000 waste units and 1,235 waste compactors as part of a broader waste-management system.
They said that it was designed to maintain environmental cleanliness and reduce congestion in high-density areas.
“The operational plan includes more than 3,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
“This is to improve service efficiency, alongside 66 municipal service centres distributed across key locations,” they said.
Saudi authorities said five permanent and mobile laboratories have also been activated to support food safety inspections and field monitoring operations.
It said that more than 1.3 million samples were expected to be examined daily as part of preventive health and safety measures.
“The preparations also feature several digital and smart initiatives under broader innovation and digital transformation programmes.
“This includes mobile laboratories, automated street cleaning systems, smart traps, compacting waste containers and cold asphalt technologies,” they said.
Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced it readiness for the season.
The authority said that it had completed operational readiness plans for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque ahead of the Hajj season.
It said that interactive guidance systems and digital maps had been activated, while field guidance teams have been equipped with instant translation devices to assist pilgrims from different nationalities.
It said that service systems had also been expanded to include Zamzam water distribution, carpeting, transport carts and facility maintenance, alongside continuous mechanisms to measure pilgrim satisfaction and improve operational performance.
“The entire system is being managed through an integrated operational model focused on efficiency and preventive maintenance.
“It is supported by an engineering command and control centre tasked with monitoring performance and responding immediately to field situations during the Hajj season,” it said.
Though the exact final total of worshippers will be officially tallied and released by the Saudi authorities, officials said around 1.8 million pilgrims will participate in the 2026 Hajj season.
As of mid-May 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that over 860,000 foreign pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom, with airlift operations ongoing.
Also, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the upcoming Umrah season calendar, outlining key dates and electronic services related to visas, contracts, and pilgrim arrivals.
The ministry made the calendar public on Sunday in Makkah.
It said that it was part of the its ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and provide the best experience for Umrah pilgrims.
According to the calendar, the issuance of Umrah visas and the arrival of pilgrims to the Kingdom will begin on May 31.
It said that pilgrims would be able to enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application as from June 1.
“The deadline for issuing Umrah visas has been set for March 9, 2027, while the final date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is March 23, 2027,” it said.
The ministry also said that April 7, 2027 would be the final departure date for Umrah pilgrims.
It called on Umrah companies and overseas agents to adhere to the approved schedule and comply with all regulations and instructions to ensure high-quality services throughout the season.
