Saudi Arabia Post Hajj Cleanup And Holy Sites Maintenance Process

[Mahmud]

After the 2026 Hajj season ended, Saudi Arabia immediately began an organized operation to clean, maintain, and reset the holy sites. Pilgrims had already left Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, allowing authorities to start work on preparing the areas for the next pilgrimage.

In 2026, about 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj, which is slightly higher than the previous year. Most of them came from outside Saudi Arabia, while a smaller number were citizens and residents of the Kingdom. This large number makes post-Hajj maintenance very important for safety and organization.

In Mina, temporary structures such as tents and portable facilities are carefully inspected after the season. Some are dismantled and stored for reuse, while others are repaired or replaced. Roads are cleared, cooling systems are checked, and emergency equipment is collected back for technical inspection.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority begins its shutdown process immediately after Hajj ends. Permanent emergency centers are secured, while temporary units are removed and stored. Medical equipment is also checked, inventoried, and tested again to ensure it is ready for the next season.

Authorities also carry out inspections on key infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, electricity networks, water systems, and cooling facilities. Maintenance teams work throughout the year, supported by training programs to improve readiness and response for future emergencies.

Kidana Development Company leads the long-term maintenance work after Hajj, focusing on inspection, repair, rehabilitation, and preparation for the next season. This phase is very demanding because it involves restoring thousands of assets while continuing ongoing development projects across the holy sites.


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