As the holy city of Makkah prepares to welcome millions of Muslims from across the world for Hajj 2025 (1446 AH), the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has revealed that a total of 900 ambulances will be deployed to provide emergency medical services throughout the duration of the pilgrimage. This massive mobilization forms part of Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive plan to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims during one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
The SRCA confirmed that the ambulances, ranging from standard emergency vehicles to advanced life support (ALS) and intensive care unit (ICU) units, will be positioned across critical locations including Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These vehicles are fully equipped with the latest medical technologies and staffed by trained paramedics and emergency technicians. In addition to conventional ambulances, specialized motorbike units will be deployed to navigate congested or narrow areas, allowing for swift medical intervention in zones where vehicular access is limited.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, who heads the SRCA’s operations in the Makkah Region, noted that the authority has gone to great lengths to ensure that the medical response system is both rapid and reliable, especially during high-density rituals like the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and the standing at Mount Arafat, arguably the most spiritually intense stage of the Hajj pilgrimage.
To further strengthen the emergency infrastructure, the Saudi Red Crescent has also established multiple temporary medical outposts in strategic locations, including at Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah, the Jamarat Bridge where pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil, and along the key tent routes in Mina. These points will serve as first-response hubs, offering immediate care to pilgrims suffering from heat exhaustion, injuries, or any other medical emergencies that may arise due to the sheer volume of foot traffic and the challenging weather conditions.
The initiative is being implemented in close coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Health to ensure that all emergency services operate seamlessly. This inter-agency collaboration is critical in managing such a vast and logistically demanding event, where quick response times can often mean the difference between life and death.
With rising temperatures and over two million pilgrims expected to converge on the holy sites this year, Saudi authorities have placed heightened emphasis on preparedness and rapid medical response. The deployment of 900 ambulances, backed by professional teams and cutting-edge technology, represents a proactive approach to safeguarding the lives and well-being of all those participating in this sacred journey.
For Nigerian pilgrims heading to the Kingdom, this added layer of medical support is a reassuring measure, reflecting the Saudi government’s continued investment in enhancing the Hajj experience while ensuring that the physical needs of the faithful are met with professionalism and compassion.
