Makkah: The holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah in Makkah form a unique spiritual and geographical center at the heart of the Islamic world, where the rituals of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, are performed in an atmosphere of deep devotion.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Mina, located about seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque, is where pilgrims perform the stoning of the Jamarat, following the practice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Known as the 'city of tents,' it features thousands of modern, fire-resistant tents supported by advanced infrastructure. The multi-level Jamarat bridge further ensures the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims.
Arafat, approximately 20 kilometers east of Makkah, is where pilgrims gather on the ninth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah in a profound display of faith, humility, and equality. Its expansive geography enables it to accommodate millions of pilgrims at once, making it a remarkable global model for large-scale crowd management.
Muzdalifah, situated between Mina and Arafat, is where pilgrims spend the night of the 10th of Dhu Al-Hijjah in an open landscape that offers a simple setting for rest, embodying humility, equality, and detachment from worldly comforts.
Saudi Arabia has mobilized extensive resources to serve pilgrims, undertaking major infrastructure projects, employing AI in crowd management and data analysis, and coordinating the efforts of various government sectors in security, healthcare, transportation, and guidance. This integrated system seeks to achieve the highest standards of quality and efficiency in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.