Doha: The Communications and Support Unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission has successfully carried out a comprehensive transportation plan for Qatari pilgrims using the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro. This operation was designed to ensure the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims between holy sites during the 1447 AH Hajj season.
According to Qatar News Agency, the mission's efforts garnered wide praise from Hajj campaign operators and pilgrims for its high level of organization and on-site services, achieved through cooperation with relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia. This organized approach was part of a broader operational plan aligned with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' strategic goals to enhance service quality for Qatari pilgrims, ensuring a safe, convenient, and well-organized Hajj experience.
The plan entailed transporting pilgrims via the metro from Mina to Arafat to perform critical Hajj rites, followed by a post-sunset departure from Arafat to Muzdalifah. The mission executed this amidst meticulously organized procedures and schedules aimed at reducing congestion, particularly considering the large crowds and high temperatures.
The Communication and Support Unit operated continuously to manage the crowd control plans in coordination with Qatari Hajj campaigns and support units including the Holy Sites Services Unit, the Medical Unit, and the Religious Unit. This coordination with Saudi authorities facilitated efficient pilgrim movements across holy sites.
Field support teams were stationed at pilgrim accommodations, train stations, and holy sites to provide immediate assistance and guidance, ensuring smooth transit and quick responses to emergencies or queries. They maintained direct communication with campaign guides for real-time updates, safeguarding the pilgrims' safety throughout their journey.
Mission officials underscored that the crowd management plan's success was due to the seamless integration of support units and the advanced organizational capabilities provided by Saudi authorities, which facilitated efficient pilgrim movement and crowd management.
Mohammed Yousef Al Hammadi of Al Hammadi Hajj and Umrah Campaign praised the metro's role in crowd management, highlighting the significant organizational efforts by the Qatari Hajj Mission. He noted that initial concerns about the metro were dispelled by its successful implementation, which ensured smooth transfers and comfort for pilgrims.
Al Hammadi also commended the Holy Sites Services Unit for preparing Muzdalifah camps with necessary amenities and logistical support, enhancing pilgrim comfort post-Arafat.
Ahmed Yousef Al Mulla of Taiba Hajj and Umrah campaign lauded the Communication and Support Unit for its exemplary fieldwork and continuous communication with campaigns and pilgrims. He emphasized the unit's role in providing timely updates and alternatives, ensuring smooth movement and overcoming any ground obstacles.
Al Mulla acknowledged that the well-equipped Muzdalifah camp significantly contributed to pilgrims' comfort after the Day of Arafah, expressing gratitude to the Qatari Hajj Mission for its dedicated service.
The Qatari Hajj Mission continues to implement its operational plan through its service, technical, and field units, reflecting Qatar's commitment under its leadership to provide top-tier care and services to pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility, and demonstrating the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' dedication to enhancing the Hajj system and service quality for Qatari pilgrims.