Expansion in MinaPermits 185,000 additional individuals to reside
New Hajj Complex Boosts Space for More Pilgrims, Flood Prevention Measures in Place
Rolling out a grand transformation, the Saudi authorities plan to shift government departments from Mina to a swanky new administration complex in Muzdalifah. This move will create a whopping 23 percent more space in the tent city, accommodating a staggering 185,000 pilgrims this year!
With the first phase of the complex complete on an expanse of 1 million square meters, it's all systems go for this ambitious project. Sultan Al-Dossary, spokesperson for the Makkah governorate, assured that most non-essential government agencies would be making the move to the futuristic facility. The second phase, in due course, will transfer the rest of the government departments from Mina within a few years. On Monday, Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal would pay a visit to this promising new complex, situated on Muzdalifah's borders.
The complex boasts an impressive infrastructure, with 13 buildings, 3,200 offices, housing units, a helicopter pad, and a massive water tank holding 36,000 cubic meters of water. Over 600,000 foreign pilgrims have already started pouring in for Haj, beginning on October 13. Almost 2 million pilgrims are expected to participate in this year's pilgrimage.
While the focus largely leans towards keeping the blistering heat at bay, Prince Khaled has taken precautions to forestall potential flooding of roads leading to Makkah and other holy sites during this Haj season. Deploying sufficient personnel and equipment to tackle floods on risky routes is of utmost importance, as stated by a source.
During flood-prone years, Makkah has experienced short bursts of rain, resulting in floods. In light of this historical data, the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment has predicted the possibility of light rainfall in Makkah and Madinah during the Haj season. The agency expects daytime temperatures to soar between 38 to 43 degrees Celsius, with pleasant evenings between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. Humidity will drop to 14 percent during the day and rise to 87 percent at night.
While specific details on flood prevention measures for Haj 2025 are not immediately available, Saudi authorities often rely on advanced engineering, urban planning, and robust emergency services to maintain safety and efficiency during large gatherings like the Hajj. Additionally, it is common practice for the Saudi government to invest heavily in infrastructure development to mitigate flood risks, such as designing efficient drainage systems, building cities with flood-resistant structures, and equipping emergency services with cutting-edge technology.
- The news about the new Hajj complex in Muzdalifah also includes plans for art installations and sustainable structures, aiming to combine modern technology with traditional architecture.
- In addition to flood prevention measures, the Saudi authorities are encouraging eco-friendly practices during this year's Hajj, such as recycling and reducing energy consumption in the new complex to minimize environmental impact.
- As part of the general news, updates on sports events are also being covered during Hajj 2021, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with their favorite teams and athletes despite being in a faraway land.
