On the sidelines of the Hajj and Umrah Exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Ibrahim, member of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah and Head of the Religious Tourism Committee at the Chamber of Tourism Companies, held a meeting with Saudi company Hafil, which is responsible for transporting land Hajj pilgrims within the holy sites during the 1448 AH (2027) Hajj season. The meeting focused on key preparations for the season and mechanisms for handling potential emergencies.
Ibrahim said that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Tourism Chamber, and Hajj-operating companies attach great importance to land Hajj programs and providing the best possible services, with particular care for elderly pilgrims. He added that the Chamber had prepared a comprehensive report on last season’s land Hajj operations, highlighting positive aspects to build on and shortcomings to address this year. The report was discussed with the Saudi company’s officials, who showed considerable understanding and cooperation.
He explained that last year’s observations were minor and mainly concerned transferring pilgrims and their luggage between vehicles. Meanwhile, vehicle breakdowns during the movement of pilgrims between the holy sites and the departure from Mina witnessed a significant decline, with the company handling incidents professionally.
For their part, Hafil officials expressed their satisfaction with serving land Hajj pilgrims and cooperating with the Chamber and tourism companies. They affirmed that special preparations were underway to build on last season’s success and achieve even better results this year.
Ibrahim stated that the two sides agreed to provide vehicles in excellent technical condition with special equipment, in addition to standby vehicles to respond immediately to any problems or breakdowns.
He added that joint working groups will be formed during the season, comprising representatives and supervisors from the Hajj mission and tourism companies, alongside representatives of the Saudi company. These teams will ensure that any issues are reported promptly and addressed without delay, particularly during pilgrim transfers and the departure from Mina, with the company’s teams directed to intervene immediately.
The meeting was attended by Saher Selim, Director of the Religious Tourism Department at the Chamber, and, representing the Saudi company, Khaled Safi Jamal Al-Leil, Executive General Supervisor of Hajj and Umrah, and Zuhair Ahmed Al-Rimi, Marketing Director.
