RIYADH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz attended the first planning meeting for the 2025 Hajj season in Jeddah on Sunday.

The meeting, held under the auspices of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah and head of the Central Hajj Committee, invited 60 organizations from the Hajj sector, along with various princes, ministers and officials.

Prince Saud announced the timeline for the 2025 Hajj season, adding that it will meet a new level of standards, including updated regulations, enhanced worker training and solutions to address challenges.

He conveyed the governor’s appreciation to organizations serving pilgrims and praised their efforts and the leadership’s support in providing high-quality services.

Prince Saud highlighted the need to build on the achievements of the 2024 Hajj season and ensure early preparation for this year’s pilgrimage. He urged the importance of increased cooperation to improve services and facilities.

He said that the meeting should result in clear, high-quality plans that positively impact the pilgrimage experience.

The meeting reviewed the 2024 Hajj season’s achievements, which included 300 plans for improved readiness. Notable accomplishments were the launch of the Nusuk card, experimental Hajj trips from Taif International Airport, expansion of the Makkah Route initiative, a 51-km extension of the Jeddah-Makkah highway, increased transportation from Mina to the Grand Mosque and the application of anti-heat paint near the Al-Namirah Mosque.

The meeting also covered the 2025 planning model, focusing on readiness, service quality standards and operational performance indicators.

A workshop titled “Harmonization of key services, roles and milestones” was held to review and initiate plans for this year’s Hajj season.