The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced today (Sunday) the completion of all its operational and technical preparations for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. These preparations are part of a comprehensive strategic plan specifically designed to manage the expected influx of visitors and ensure the provision of the highest quality services to pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques.

Context of the event and its strategic importance

The month of Ramadan holds special significance in Saudi Arabia, representing the peak of religious seasons and witnessing the arrival of millions of pilgrims and worshippers from within the Kingdom and abroad. This operational plan aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and provide them with the best possible services, reflecting the Kingdom's leading role in serving the Muslim world. The success of the operational season during Ramadan is a vital indicator of the efficiency of crowd management and the quality of infrastructure in the holiest of places.

Operational plan axes and modern technologies

The authority explained that its plan for this year is based on three main pillars to ensure efficiency and flexibility:

• Asset and facility management: Enhancing operational and maintenance efficiency to ensure service continuity during peak times.
• Integrated coordination: Joint work with all relevant security and service agencies.
• Enriching the spiritual experience: Providing quality initiatives that enhance the reverence and comfort of visitors.

In a qualitative leap for digital services, the authority revealed the activation of three-dimensional interactive maps to facilitate visitor access to facilities, in addition to the use of digital sensor and detector systems to count visitors, providing accurate data that supports immediate decision-making in crowd management and organizing pathways.

Humanitarian services and new enrichment projects

In its plan for the year 1447 AH, the organization was keen to take into account humanitarian aspects extensively, and the initiatives included:

• Launching a service to transport the elderly from transport stations to ensure their comfort.
• Operating childcare centers in the Two Holy Mosques to provide a safe and supportive educational experience for families.
• Governance of breakfast travel in conjunction with the national platform "Ihsan" to reduce food waste.
• Developing interactive guidance screens that provide guidance services in five international languages.

Technical readiness and infrastructure

Regarding infrastructure, the authority confirmed improvements in the reliability of the electricity and power systems, enhanced efficiency of air conditioning and lighting systems, and ensured the readiness of escalators and elevators. Regular maintenance plans for the sound system and restrooms were also activated, along with intensified cleaning, sanitization, and environmental protection efforts to achieve the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

Expected impact of the plan

These intensive measures are expected to contribute to a smooth flow of crowds, particularly in the circumambulation area (Mataf), the area between Safa and Marwa (Mas'a), and the Prophet's Mosque (Rawdah), reducing waiting times and providing a safe and convenient environment for worship. These preparations underscore the Authority's ongoing commitment to implementing the directives of the wise leadership to dedicate all resources to serving the pilgrims, thus enhancing the Kingdom's positive image in managing the world's largest human gatherings efficiently and effectively.

His Royal Highness Prince Rakan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz officially began his duties as Governor of Diriyah today (Sunday), following the issuance of the Royal Decree appointing him to this important position. His Highness began his first day at the Governorate headquarters by receiving crowds of well-wishers, affirming his determination to move forward with the development process that this ancient Governorate is witnessing.

The reception was attended by high-ranking officials, including His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Turki, Deputy Governor of Al-Baha Region, and His Excellency Assaf bin Salem Abu Thnein, Advisor at the Royal Court. Heads of local centers and representatives of various governmental and security agencies in the province also attended, along with a large gathering of Diriyah residents who came to greet His Highness and congratulate him on the esteemed royal appointment, expressing their happiness at this appointment, which reflects the wise leadership's interest in this strategic province.

In his remarks during the reception, Prince Rakan bin Salman expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister – may God protect them – for this gracious trust. He prayed to God Almighty that he may live up to the leadership's expectations and that He may grant him strength and success in serving his religion, his King, and his country. He affirmed his complete commitment to working diligently to fulfill the aspirations of the wise leadership and to directly support and enhance the comprehensive development that Diriyah is experiencing in all fields.

In a related development, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, received Prince Rakan bin Salman at his office in the Qasr Al-Hukm Palace earlier today. The Governor congratulated His Highness the Governor of Diriyah on the royal appointment, wishing him continued success in his new role and urging him to exert every effort to serve the residents and visitors of the province.

Diriyah: A historical symbol and a promising future

The appointment of Prince Rakan bin Salman as governor of Diriyah comes at a time when the province is gaining exceptional importance both locally and internationally. Diriyah is not merely a province; it is the "jewel of the Kingdom," the cradle of the first Saudi state, and home to the historic At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Saudi leadership places special importance on Diriyah as a symbol of national unity and the Kingdom's deep historical roots.

The province is currently undergoing major transformations as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 projects, with efforts underway to transform it into one of the world's most important cultural, tourist, and heritage destinations. This massive development drive requires close coordination between government agencies, the regional emirate, and the province to ensure the achievement of ambitious goals. This was emphasized by Prince Rakan bin Salman at the beginning of his tenure, as he focused on preserving this great heritage and keeping pace with the rapid pace of modern development.

The National Center for Meteorology issued its climate report for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, revealing the expected weather conditions in the Makkah and Madinah regions. Official forecasts indicate slight changes in typical weather patterns, with the two holy cities expected to experience a relative increase in temperatures compared to annual averages, coinciding with a decrease in the chance of rainfall.

Details of the weather conditions in the Holy City of Mecca and Medina

Data released by the center indicates that surface temperatures will be higher than normal. In Mecca, there is a 65% probability that temperatures will rise by one degree Celsius above the normal average of 26.8 degrees Celsius. In Medina, temperatures are expected to exceed the normal average (23.1 degrees Celsius) by 1.2 degrees Celsius, with a 60% probability.

Regarding rainfall, the report indicated that the expected amounts would be lower than the usual annual averages. The average rainfall in Mecca during this period is approximately 4.2 mm, and in Medina, 4.3 mm. If any rainfall occurs, it will be classified as light, with a 50% probability of lower rainfall in Mecca and a 55% probability in Medina.

The importance of climate forecasts for the Umrah season

These reports are of paramount strategic importance given their timing with the holy month of Ramadan, which marks the peak of the annual Umrah season. Millions of pilgrims and visitors flock to the Two Holy Mosques, making weather forecasts crucial for pre-planning trips and performing rituals. This slight rise in temperatures helps relevant authorities and pilgrims take necessary precautions against heat exhaustion and ensure adequate fluid intake, especially during daylight hours.

The reduced chances of rainfall may also contribute to smoother traffic flow and pedestrian movement in the squares surrounding the Two Holy Mosques, thus facilitating the crowd management and control operations carried out by the security and regulatory authorities with high efficiency.

The role of meteorology in supporting logistics services

These forecasts are part of the National Center for Meteorology's ongoing efforts to provide accurate information to support decision-makers across various government sectors. Service and health authorities in the Kingdom rely on this data to enhance their field preparedness, whether by equipping health centers or adapting operational plans for cleaning and maintenance services at the Two Holy Mosques to align with anticipated weather conditions.

The center concluded its report by urging everyone to follow the daily updates and early warnings broadcast through its official channels and social media platforms, to ensure access to the most accurate and reliable weather information in a timely manner.