Saudi Gazette Report

MINA — The high-tech Jamarat Complex in Mina stands as one of the most remarkable development projects implemented by Saudi Arabia at the holy sites. It represents a major advancement in crowd management, meeting the highest global engineering and organizational standards.

The Jamarat facility has a capacity of over 300,000 pilgrims per hour, allowing for smooth and safe movement during the peak of the stoning ritual throughout the Days of Tashreeq (Dhul Hijjah 11-13). Pilgrims perform stoning ritual seven times on each of the three Jamarat pillars on Tashreeq days. The Jamarat area witnesses the arrival of large groups of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual in a spiritual scene that reflects devotion and emulation of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Historically, the Jamarat consisted of small stone pillars surrounded by narrow spaces and limited pathways, often resulting in overcrowding and difficulty in performing the ritual, especially with the growing number of pilgrims. Today, the site has been transformed into an integrated architectural landmark spanning five levels, with a length of 950 meters and a width of 80 meters. It includes 386 escalators, 11 buildings for escalators, multiple-direction bridges, designated entry and exit paths, emergency exits, as well as advanced cooling and monitoring systems.