Saudi Arabia deploys 40,000 security forces in Mecca for Hajj 2025

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has staged a large-scale security forces parade and military exercises in Mecca as part of intensive preparations for Hajj 2025, showcasing the Kingdom’s operational readiness to protect millions of pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage.

The high-profile display, overseen by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, featured thousands of troops, aerial flyovers by helicopters, and tactical demonstrations by elite security units.

The exercises aim to test and affirm the operational readiness of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj security forces ahead of the pilgrimage, which is set to begin in few days.

Held annually, the Hajj Security Parade is a symbolic gesture of national resolve and a practical rehearsal for the logistical and security challenges posed by the mass influx of worshippers into the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

This year’s drills included coordinated formations of security personnel, swift-response operations by commandos, and simulated emergency scenarios designed to neutralize potential threats.

Helicopters hovered above the formations while ground units conducted maneuvers to showcase rapid mobilization capabilities.

Lt. General Mohammed Al Bassami, Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, said: “Hajj security is a red line. Our forces are fully prepared and ready to deal with the utmost determination and force to confront everything that may disturb the peace of the Guests of Allah. We are committed to ensuring that pilgrims perform their rituals in ease and comfort.”

More than 40,000 security personnel are being deployed this year, as part of a multi-layered security framework that includes crowd control, traffic management, surveillance, and rapid response. Saudi Arabia is also using advanced technology such as facial recognition systems, drones, and smart monitoring platforms to detect and respond to irregular activity in real time.

With pilgrims already arriving in the Kingdom, inter-agency coordination has intensified between the Ministries of Interior, Health, Transport, and Civil Defense. Emergency medical services, sanitation units, and mobility infrastructure are all being integrated into one of the most complex logistical undertakings in the world.

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE