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Makkah Gears Up for Hajj Season with Volunteer Programs and Technological Innovations
5-29-2024
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Nearly 5,000 volunteers are poised to engage in initiatives launched by the Makkah branch of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
The Muslim world anticipates celebrating Eid al-Adha around Sunday, June 16, contingent upon astronomical calculations and the commencement of the Dhu al-Hijjah month.
Saudi Arabia is expected to call upon Muslims to sight the crescent moon on June 6 to determine the exact date. In preparation for this year's Hajj, Madinah's health department has readied 18 hospitals and medical centers. Saudi scouts are undergoing training in utilizing digital technology and quick-response codes on smartphones to enhance guidance, navigation, and route planning for Hajj pilgrims at the Kingdom's sacred sites.
A smart application offering route planning, navigation, and guidance for pilgrims will be implemented. Abdullah Alharthi, a scout leader, highlighted the advantages of digital technology and QR codes, emphasizing environmental conservation by reducing the reliance on paper maps and signs, thus maintaining the sanctity of the holy spaces. Last year, 3,500 scouts were stationed across Makkah's holy sites.
The facilities are equipped with over 20,000 staff members, advanced medical resources, laboratories, blood banks, vaccines, and emergency care services, as per the Saudi Press Agency. Eid al-Adha commences on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah following the Day of Arafat, expected to fall on June 15. The Makkah branch has introduced 247 volunteering opportunities coinciding with the onset of the Hajj season.
These endeavors encompass distributing water bottles at mosques, providing sunshades, disseminating informational materials, and offering meals, aligning with the ministry's commitment to nurturing a culture of volunteerism.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has unveiled its operational blueprint for Hajj, emphasizing voluntary and humanitarian work. The Two Holy Mosques serve as focal points for these activities, embodying religious and Saudi principles that underscore generosity and hospitality.
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