“A committee has already been constituted to prepare the strategic plan following a recommendation by the Shoura Council. The ministry recently convened the first meeting of the committee that discussed various aspects of the strategy,” he said.

Al-Hajjar, who is also chairman of the committee, made the remarks in an article that appeared in the new edition of the Haj & Umrah monthly magazine published by the ministry.

Representatives of the ministries of interior, transport, health, and municipal and rural affairs, as well as officials from the Authority for Makkah and Holy Sites Development, Authority for the Development of Madinah, and the Haj and Umrah Research Institute at Umm Al-Qura University are members of the committee.

According to Al-Hajjar, the strategic plan involves the integrated and coordinated work of all departments and agencies concerned with the Haj operation.

“The plan would contain specific visions and programs to extend the best possible services for the anticipated number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims who come to the Kingdom from all over the world within the next 25 years. It would cover all aspects regarding Haj and Umrah operations during the stipulated period,” he said.

The minister stressed the need for exerting great efforts to realize the aspirations of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to further improve the services extended to Haj and Umrah pilgrims as well as visitors to the holy cities to enable them to perform the rituals in ease and comfort.

Al-Hajjar lauded King Abdullah and other Saudi leaders for implementing a number of mega projects in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.