The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has confirmed that the Mataf area is fully ready to handle large crowds during Hajj 1446H. The Mataf is the open, circular area around the Kaaba in Makkah, where pilgrims perform the Tawaf ritual—walking in circles around the Kaaba.
This year, the Mataf’s capacity has increased to hold up to 107,000 pilgrims per hour. This expansion is part of a bigger effort by Saudi authorities to improve safety and ease for all worshippers.
Better Crowd Management at Mataf During Hajj 1446H
To manage the rising number of pilgrims, Saudi officials are working with multiple agencies. They have improved entry points, walking paths, and crowd control systems. These upgrades aim to reduce overcrowding and make the experience safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Several main and side gates around the Mataf are now set aside only for pilgrims. Other gates are reserved for emergency teams and service staff. This careful planning helps maintain a smooth and safe flow of people at all times.
Almost 900,000 Pilgrims Have Already Arrived
As Hajj preparations continue, the General Directorate of Passports has shared updated arrival figures. As of Friday, 890,883 pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H. The breakdown includes:
- 846,415 pilgrims arriving by air
- 41,646 pilgrims entering by land
- 2,822 pilgrims coming by sea
One of the key moments was the arrival of the first Hajj flight from the United Kingdom. The flight landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 142 pilgrims on board.
Saudi Arabia Welcomes UK Pilgrims for Hajj 1446H
The UK pilgrims were welcomed by British Consul General Cecille El Bilidy, along with officials from the Jeddah Airports Company and other government agencies. This warm welcome reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering excellent hospitality and care to all pilgrims arriving from around the world.
Jeddah Airport Terminals Fully Prepared for Hajj 1446H Pilgrims
The Jeddah Airports Company has confirmed that it is well-prepared to handle the high volume of arrivals. Across Terminal 1, the Northern Terminal, and the Hajj and Umrah Complex, there are hundreds of immigration counters, baggage stations, boarding bridges, and customs inspection devices in place.
These facilities are designed to streamline the arrival process and ensure that pilgrims can move easily from the airport to the holy sites.
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