JEDDAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah affirmed that preparations for next year’s Hajj season begin early, even before the current season concludes. This is through an integrated framework involving various government entities, pilgrim affairs offices, and Hajj service providers, to enhance services for pilgrims and improve operational readiness. He made the remarks while attending a panel discussion held Wednesday as part of the third edition of the Hajj Health and Safety Forum, organized by the General Administration of Medical Services at the Ministry of Interior. The minister explained that preparations for the next Hajj season will begin on Dhul Hijjah 12 through meetings with heads of pilgrim affairs offices and companies serving pilgrims, during which a comprehensive roadmap for the coming season is developed before the current season ends. “Since last season, the ministry has been working on a detailed plan with specific timelines in coordination with 78 countries to ensure seamless operations and oversee all operational aspects related to the holy sites, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation, catering, and aviation services,” he said while noting that regular virtual meetings are held with pilgrim affairs offices to monitor readiness and track implementation of the plan. Meanwhile, Al-Rabiah met with 78 officials and heads of Hajj affairs offices from Islamic countries and countries with Muslim communities during the semiannual meeting of Hajj affairs offices in Jeddah, held on the sidelines of the 50th Grand Hajj Symposium. Al-Rabiah praised the cooperation of Hajj affairs offices and stressed the importance of early planning and adherence to regulations in enhancing the readiness of the Hajj system and improving services provided to pilgrims.He also stressed the importance of adhering to approved transportation and crowd-management plans, warning against random group walking in the holy sites because of its impact on pilgrims’ safety and traffic flow. He urged pilgrims to remain inside camps in Arafat during peak heat hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting reviewed the readiness of the Hajj system for the 2026 season, along with initiatives and operational services provided to pilgrims and ways to strengthen coordination with Hajj missions.