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.

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.

In a powerful demonstration of Saudi women's ability to excel in the most challenging and demanding fields, the name of Saudi nurse Lulwa Al-Dossari has emerged as an inspiring role model in the Armed Forces Medical Services. After seven years of dedicated service in hospitals and intensive care units, Al-Dossari decided to expand her humanitarian passion, joining the Ministry of Defense's air medical evacuation fleet and establishing herself as a leading female figure in this vital sector.

From intensive care to the heavens

During her participation in the World Defense Show 2026, which recently concluded in Riyadh, Al-Dossari shared details of her career journey with Akhbar 24. She explained that she specializes in intensive and critical care, a field requiring quick reflexes and high skill, but practicing it in the air adds complex physiological and logistical challenges. She indicated that her decision to pursue this experience stemmed from a desire for renewal and discovery, describing aerial nursing as a school that teaches you to "expect the unexpected.".

Air transport challenges and the impact of pressure

Al-Dossari addressed the technical aspects of her work, noting that patients who appear stable in the hospital may experience sudden changes upon takeoff due to atmospheric pressure fluctuations and the relative lack of oxygen at high altitudes. This reality necessitates that the medical evacuation team maintain a high level of readiness for rapid intervention and handling of any emergency to ensure the patient's safety until reaching their destination, reflecting the high quality of training received by the Ministry of Defense's health services personnel.

A transcontinental humanitarian mission: Jamaica's twins

In discussing the highlights of her career, Lulwa Al-Dossari recalled a long humanitarian journey that lasted 18 continuous hours in July 2025. The mission involved transporting conjoined twins from Jamaica to Saudi Arabia. This mission is an extension of the Kingdom's leading global role in the conjoined twins separation program, which enjoys generous support and direct attention from the wise leadership. Saudi medical evacuation aircraft have traveled the world to assist humanitarian cases, making the Kingdom a leading global destination in this specialized medical field.

An inspiring message for the daughters of the nation

Lulwa Al-Dossari concluded her remarks with a message brimming with pride and admiration for her fellow Saudi nurses, urging them to recognize the immense responsibility they bear and to keep God's fear before their eyes. In her authentic Najdi dialect, she encouraged them to "strengthen their resolve" and not hesitate to embrace new experiences and innovate within the vast healthcare field. She emphasized that the empowerment Saudi women enjoy today under Vision 2030 opens countless doors for them to participate in building the nation and safeguarding its resources.