MINA: Saudi Arabia has delivered more than 712 million essential items to markets and retail outlets in Makkah and the holy sites as part of a large-scale supply operation to serve pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season.
“The supplies included more than 328.9 million bottles of drinking water, 153 million packs of dairy products and juices, 108 million soft drink containers, more than 98 million loaves of bread, and over 24.4 million bags of ice,” the ministry said in a statement.
It added that this aims to reinforce market readiness and ensure continuity of supply chains to meet the needs of pilgrims.
This comes as Saudi authorities are mobilizing extensive logistical, health, security and service systems during Hajj to manage one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The ministry said that the operation was aimed at strengthening market readiness and ensuring uninterrupted supply chains to meet the needs of millions of pilgrims performing Hajj rituals.
The government regulator has intensified efforts this year to maintain the availability of food, water and other essential commodities amid high temperatures and the large influx of pilgrims to Makkah and the holy sites.
It also confirmed the continuation of field inspection campaigns and supply monitoring operations across commercial establishments, markets and retail outlets in Makkah and the holy sites.
The inspections are designed to ensure the availability of essential goods and products while enhancing operational preparedness throughout the Hajj season.
The Ministry of Commerce has expanded the participation of commercial brands, cafes, restaurants and major companies to provide supply services within the holy sites during the Hajj season, enhancing the availability of goods, improving market readiness and broadening options for pilgrims.
“The initiative aims to improve the efficiency of supply services, enhance the shopping experience and expand the range of services provided to pilgrims in the holy sites,” the ministry said in a statement posted on its X account.
