RIYADH: A fleet of 177 ambulances has been deployed during the Haj season in Makkah, Madinah, Arafat, Muzdaliafah and Mina, a senior official from the Ministry of Health said here Wednesday.
“The fleet of ambulances includes 120 mini-ambulances and 57 large vehicles that will be used to ferry sick Hajis from the medical clinics to hospitals at the holy sites,” the official said, adding that the fleet includes 30 mini-ambulances that were introduced last year.
“We have deployed mini-ambulances so that the vehicles could make their way even through large crowds of pilgrims who will be using the roads and alleys,” the official said, adding that the Saudi Red Crescent will also detail air ambulances to transport patients in emergency situations in cooperation with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
“The services will be intensified during the pilgrims’ stay in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah,” he said.
To offer comprehensive services to the pilgrims, he said the mobile unit will move with the pilgrims during the final phase of the Haj from Arafat to Muzdalifah and then finally to Mina during the time when pilgrims perform their various Haj rituals.
The entire fleet of ambulance is fully equipped with all the modern facilities to carry ICU patients on board. “Even the medics and paramedics who will be in the ambulances are trained and competent to handle all types of patients in emergency situations,” he said.
In cooperation with the Civil Defense, the Ministry of Health has also drawn up an emergency plan for evacuation, accidents and disaster response.
Helipads have been arranged at five hospitals to receive patients who need emergency treatment during the season.
The hospitals are King Abdullah Medical City, Al-Noor General Hospital, Mina Al-Tawaari (Emergency) Hospital in Mina, Arafat General Hospital and Hira Hospital.
The ambulances and the cars used by the medics have undergone maintenance tests to ensure that they are in good condition.
177 ambulances deployed to serve Haj pilgrims
177 ambulances deployed to serve Haj pilgrims
Riyadh makes history as first Middle East city to receive Global Active City certification
- Saudi capital earned the major international badge for active living, healthy lifestyle
RIYADH: The Saudi capital has made history by becoming the first city in the Middle East to receive the Global Active City certification, an international recognition for cities that promote active living and a healthy lifestyle, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced on Monday.
“The Global Active City certification reflects Riyadh’s status as a city that applies the best international standards in promoting health, activity, and quality of life. This underscores RCRC’s commitment to building a sustainable global city that places the human being at the heart of development,” the commission posted on X.
Commenting on certification, RCRC CEO Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan said that this achievement reflects the continued support and ambitious vision of the Kingdom’s leadership, which has enabled Riyadh to make significant progress in improving quality-of-life indicators across the city, in line with the goals set under Saudi Vision 2030.
He expressed appreciation for the efforts of associate partners, including the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Sports for All Federation, saying that their active contributions played a key role in securing this international recognition.
According to the RCRC, the recognition reflects years of work to improve the quality of life across the city. From expanding public spaces to building sports facilities and active transport routes, Riyadh has been quietly setting up the foundations for healthier urban living.
The certification is granted by the Active Well-being Initiative and backed by the International Olympic Committee.
