The high-level meeting comes as 22,500 Syrian pilgrims began their spiritual journey on the first official day of the Hajj pilgrimage, which will conclude on June 9.

Minister Shukri praised the Kingdom’s meticulous organization, healthcare services, and logistical support, calling Saudi Arabia’s efforts “a model of care and dedication.” He highlighted the importance of continued bilateral cooperation to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of Syrian pilgrims to abide by Saudi guidelines and regulations, acknowledging the Kingdom’s central role in maintaining the sanctity, safety, and smooth flow of Hajj rituals.

Minister Shukri conveyed the greetings of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to the Saudi leadership. President Al-Sharaa had earlier addressed Syrian pilgrims in Makkah via video call, urging them to act as “ambassadors of Syria” by demonstrating exemplary conduct during their pilgrimage.

For his part, Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed appreciation for the cooperation and discipline shown by Syrian pilgrims, and extended the Kingdom’s well-wishes for peace and stability in Syria, according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The meeting underscores the growing coordination between Damascus and Riyadh in the realm of religious affairs, particularly as the Kingdom continues to extend equal and dignified treatment to pilgrims of all nationalities, fostering unity through faith.

The specialized unit, designed to deliver life-saving stroke treatment directly at the site of emergencies, is being deployed for the first time during Hajj 2025. Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthi, executive director of Ajyad Hospital and emergency medicine consultant, described the initiative as a “revolutionary step in stroke care.”

“The mobile unit eliminates the need to transport patients to a hospital,” Dr. Al-Harthi told local media. “It allows rapid access to difficult areas and immediate intervention, improving survival rates and patient recovery.”

Equipped with a CT scanner, intravenous contrast system, clot-dissolving drugs, and high-speed internet with a 360-degree live camera, the unit allows real-time monitoring by consultants located remotely, ensuring swift diagnosis and treatment. Each unit operates with a highly trained team consisting of a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, radiologist, emergency nurse, and paramedic.

A collaboration between Health Holding Co., the Makkah Health Cluster, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, the initiative was rolled out under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Dr. Al-Harthi confirmed that the unit treats one patient at a time, typically completing diagnosis and treatment within 15 minutes.

One notable case involved a 60-year-old pilgrim from Uganda who collapsed inside the Grand Mosque. Displaying symptoms of a stroke — including slurred speech and paralysis — he was rushed to the mobile unit, where he underwent immediate scanning and clot-dissolving therapy. His condition stabilized within minutes, and he was later transferred to King Abdulaziz Hospital for follow-up care. Within 48 hours, the patient showed significant improvement and expressed a desire to continue his pilgrimage.

“This case underscores the critical value of early stroke intervention in protecting brain function,” Dr. Al-Harthi said, lauding the coordination among government agencies that made the initiative a reality.

The mobile unit was most recently deployed to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital, as part of a broader strategy to deliver top-tier medical services across key Hajj locations, enabling pilgrims to complete their spiritual journey in safety and dignity.

Every year, Saudi Arabia mobilizes approximately 50,000 healthcare and support professionals who work around the clock to serve millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites.

The cutting-edge facility, unveiled on Wednesday, reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journey. The Ministry described the move as part of a broader effort by the Joint Forces Command to facilitate a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience for all worshippers.

The mobile hospital comprises an expansive network of 29 medical trailers and 26 specialized modules, designed to serve as a fully functional healthcare unit. These include inpatient wards with a 50-bed capacity, a surgical operating room, intensive care and observation units, and an emergency department. The setup also features a radiology unit, medical laboratory, pharmacy, and a series of specialized outpatient clinics.

A dedicated recovery and sterilization wing further ensures readiness for surgical and emergency interventions.

“This initiative highlights the pivotal role played by the Ministry of Defense in strengthening the Kingdom’s health infrastructure at the holy sites,” the Ministry said in a statement.

In coordination with the Ministry of Health, the General Directorate for Health Services confirmed that it has rolled out a comprehensive medical strategy ahead of the Hajj season. This strategy includes the activation of 36 healthcare centers across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, boasting a combined capacity of over 1,000 beds.

To ensure seamless operations, 1,791 medical and administrative personnel have been deployed across fixed and mobile medical units, emergency hubs, and specialized clinics throughout the pilgrimage route.

Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize the health and security of pilgrims, introducing advanced healthcare solutions and infrastructure improvements to accommodate millions of worshippers converging for Hajj from around the world.

The Hajj, set to begin on June 4, will see the convergence of pilgrims from over 180 countries on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, reaffirming the Kingdom’s enduring role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites. But with global temperatures on the rise, Saudi officials are racing against time to prevent heat-related incidents.

“Pilgrims’ Safety Is Our Top Priority”

Speaking ahead of the pilgrimage, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah emphasized the urgent need to adapt to the growing threat of heatwaves.

“One of the big challenges we face is the increasing temperature across the years. This is an issue to which we give top priority,” Al-Rabiah said. He highlighted the Kingdom’s integration of technology and strategic infrastructure to safeguard pilgrims.

Indeed, the urgency of this commitment became evident when the Ministry of Health confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion on Friday among pilgrims performing early rituals. All patients received immediate care and are now in stable condition.

Health teams remain on high alert, stationed throughout the holy sites with rapid response units and mobile clinics. The ministry has issued a series of health advisories urging pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, use shaded paths, and report early signs of fatigue or heatstroke. Multilingual public awareness campaigns have been launched to ensure the message reaches every corner of the diverse pilgrim community.

Cooling Infrastructure and High-Tech Surveillance

To alleviate the impact of the blistering summer heat, authorities have added 50,000 square meters of shaded areas across key pilgrimage zones. Over 400 misting fans and cooling stations have been installed, and major walkways have been resurfaced with heat-reflective asphalt to reduce ground temperatures.

Inside the Grand Mosque, renovation and extension projects are being accelerated to reduce congestion and provide ample space for air circulation. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has also ramped up food and pharmaceutical safety inspections to ensure the quality and safety of consumables.

Dr. Hisham S. Al-Jadhey, CEO of the SFDA, conducted a high-profile inspection of the authority’s operations in Makkah. His visit included tours of food warehouses, medical supply storage facilities, and the SFDA’s advanced Hajj Operations Center.

He reiterated the importance of deploying modern technology, including AI-powered monitoring systems, to oversee field inspections and logistics. “Ensuring the safety of all food and medicine for pilgrims is a great honor and a responsibility we take seriously,” Al-Jadhey stated.

The SFDA’s mobile inspection teams are now equipped with body cameras, real-time data systems, and AI-enhanced tools that monitor storage conditions, regulatory compliance, and product expiration.

Revolutionizing Healthcare with Robotics

In a pioneering move, the Ministry of Health has launched a robotic surgery program at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. The initiative, which marks a significant advancement in digital healthcare, aims to deliver precise surgical interventions during Hajj, when healthcare facilities often experience peak demand.

The project is part of a broader vision to transform the healthcare landscape using telemedicine, smart diagnostics, and AI-based triage systems. Emergency hospitals in Mina and other critical locations have been equipped with advanced life-support systems, ICU beds, and multilingual medical staff.

During his inspection, Dr. Al-Jadhey also met with Dr. Abdullah bin Rashoud Al-Algwizani, CEO of the Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya), to discuss the ongoing collaboration between their respective institutions. The leaders reviewed plans to integrate public health data with regulatory oversight to better anticipate and respond to potential outbreaks or emergencies during Hajj.

AI-Powered Pilgrimage Management

The Kingdom’s technological transformation has become a cornerstone of Hajj planning. Drones equipped with surveillance cameras are being used to monitor crowds in real time, relaying data to command centers to prevent stampedes and swiftly identify medical emergencies.

“We use advanced AI technologies to do this monitoring and get fast feedback,” said Al-Rabiah. “This allows us to intervene in real time and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

Additionally, AI systems are now tracking weather patterns, air quality, and crowd density, helping authorities make data-driven decisions about crowd control, emergency evacuations, and service distribution.

Tightening Security with Smart Surveillance

To prevent unauthorized individuals from participating in the pilgrimage—a factor blamed for many of the heat-related deaths during last year’s Hajj—the Ministry of Interior has tightened surveillance and access controls.

Using AI-enabled facial recognition, smart checkpoints, and digital permit systems, authorities are monitoring the flow of people into the holy sites. Unauthorized pilgrims attempting to enter without official Hajj permits face fines, detention, and deportation.

Security officials say these measures are essential to manage crowd numbers and ensure the safety of registered pilgrims, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Global Collaboration and Diplomatic Coordination

Behind the scenes, diplomatic missions from dozens of countries are working closely with Saudi agencies to ensure their nationals have access to essential services, emergency assistance, and cultural guidance.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also expanded its digital portal to streamline pilgrim registration, accommodation booking, and transportation services. The system, now integrated with biometric identification, allows for faster movement through immigration and security checkpoints.

A Vision Rooted in Service

As the Kingdom welcomes the Hajj season, its preparations reflect a broader commitment to Vision 2030 — a national transformation plan that aims to position Saudi Arabia as a hub of innovation and spiritual leadership.

This year’s Hajj, with its fusion of faith, technology, and international cooperation, encapsulates the Kingdom’s evolving role on the global stage. It is a message not only of religious devotion but also of human dignity, compassion, and progress.

By blending centuries-old traditions with 21st-century solutions, Saudi Arabia is setting a global standard for pilgrimage management—ensuring that every pilgrim can perform their rites in safety, comfort, and peace.