MADINAH ( WNAM MONITORING): Saudi Arabia has completed extensive preparations across the Madinah region’s road network as the first groups of pilgrims arrived from Makkah following the completion of this year’s Hajj, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Madinah welcomed the first post-Hajj arrivals on Friday after pilgrims completed the rites of Hajj in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Authorities said that a comprehensive package of field, transport and organizational services had been activated to facilitate their arrival and movement across the city.
Although a visit to Madinah is not part of the formal Hajj pilgrimage, the city remains one of the most important destinations for Muslims, who travel there to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque and visit historic Islamic sites associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad. The annual movement of pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah after Hajj is among the Kingdom’s largest recurring travel operations.
The Roads General Authority said that it had finalized a comprehensive operational plan to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims into the region, carrying out a broad program of maintenance and safety upgrades ahead of the seasonal influx.
The authority reported that more than 906,000 sq. meters of asphalt pavement were assessed, while 4,000 meters of metal and concrete barriers were installed and 3,300 meters of fencing underwent maintenance. Additional work included repairs along more than 400 km of roads, the installation of 145 directional and warning signs, and the application of 435,000 linear meters of road markings to improve safety and traffic flow.
More than 20 advanced technologies have been deployed to monitor road conditions and support field operations, while the authority has activated its 938 call center to receive reports and provide assistance around the clock. A network of 300 field inspectors has also been deployed across the Kingdom to oversee road operations and respond to incidents in real time.
Hajj authorities and other government agencies in Madinah have meanwhile heightened readiness to receive large numbers of pilgrims during the post-Hajj season. Working in coordination with security forces, field teams continue operations at temporary reception centers to organize and direct arriving buses, while immigration facilities process air and sea travelers and dedicated reception centers handle pilgrims arriving by land within a round-the-clock logistical framework, SPA reported.
The preparations come as Saudi authorities manage one of the world’s largest annual logistical undertakings. More than 60 government entities coordinated services during the 2026 Hajj season under the supervision of the Supreme Hajj Committee.
According to official statistics, 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj this year, up 2.04 percent from 2025. Of the total, 1,546,655 arrived from outside the Kingdom, including 1,485,729 who traveled by air, while 160,646 were citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said earlier that more than 173,000 flights carrying pilgrims arrived from 366 destinations ahead of the pilgrimage. Thousands of train journeys and bus trips were also operated to move worshippers between Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
Saudi authorities expanded digital services through the Nusuk platform, enhanced healthcare capacity and upgraded electricity, water and transport infrastructure as part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience under Vision 2030.
The road and reception preparations in Madinah are designed to support the final stage of many pilgrims’ journeys, ensuring safe and efficient travel as worshippers continue their visits to the Kingdom’s holy places following the completion of Hajj.
