PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ

MOBILSATION SYSTEM

A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ

MOBILSATION SYSTEM

I. INTRODUCTION

The increasing figures of Muslims requesting to perform Hajj every year had lead the
Saudi’s government to limit the number of pilgrims to 2 million per season. Even with
this limitation we can see that the available resources are nearly exhausted. Too
many people with similar objectives, jammed-packed into a small compound created
chaos. Increase in space availability is one way to solve this problem, but this action
will expand the distance and cause further inconvenience to the pilgrims.

To understand and solve these problems, Hajj activities has been scrutinized.
Emphasis will be given toward the mobilization of Hajj performers from one activity to
the next, particularly to the movement of the pilgrims between Muna and Arafat; as
well as activities in and around Al-Harram in the month of Zulhijjah.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Government has done a very good effort in
managing and solving problems relating to Hajj. Umm Al-Qura University/Jamiatul
Ummul Qura (UQU) through The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque – Institute for
Hajj Research (CTHM–IHR) has been given the responsibility by the KSA
Government to conduct relevant research regarding Hajj and pilgrim management for
the past 25 years. Many developments and improvements have been introduced by
the Institute including the multi level infrastructure for Saie and the Ataradudiah
transportation system. Currently, the Jamaraat area is being developed to establish a
five tier stoning area before the end of 1428H.

However to solve all the problems regarding Hajj, collective efforts from all Muslim
countries are needed. A joint coalition of Muslim countries is suggested to help
enhance the problem-solving of the Hajj management.

II. BACKGROUND

Preliminary studies by a group of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) scientist in

collaboration with UQU, suggested that in order for a smoother Hajj mobilization,
immediate attention and development must be given to 5 areas of interest in order to
enhance the overall Hajj activity and management:

1. Education
2. Surveillance
3. Mass transport System
4. Waste Management System
5. Local Amenities (water, toilet, bath, etc.)

The solutions developed by the researchers need to be implemented as soon as

possible to reduce the burden of the pilgrims and the Hajj management of KSA.

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PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ
MOBILSATION SYSTEM

III. OVERVIEW OF THE SECTOR (LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL)

1. Education

Currently, there is no standard training for the pilgrims coming to perform the Hajj
ritual. Some of the Muslim Countries does not offer any training at all. This leads to
uncertainty to the pilgrims of what to expect during the ritual execution. Due to
ignorance, some of the pilgrims became nuisance to others.

Education and training for the pilgrims is needed to solve this problem. Hence a
training program will be developed for all, according to the preaching of Prophet
Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and the traditions of the Ahlul Sunnah wal Jamaah. A good
example of training system for the pilgrims has been implemented by Tabung Haji of
Malaysia.

2. Surveillance

Lost of direction is an additional problem that arose when dealing with 2 millions
pilgrims. A surveillance system that could monitor the movement of the pilgrims is
needed to solve this problem. Radio Frequency Identification system (RFID) is
currently the best method of tagging and monitoring that is gaining recognition and
number of user worldwide. RFID are now being used widely in tracking cargo and
shipment of valuables, tagging of prisoners in penitentiary, and cars security system.

The use of RFID will enable tracking of individual pilgrims that has gone astray from
his/her group. If the need be, RFID could help in arranging a speedy rescue mission
for the missing individual.

3. Mass Transport System

To transport huge number of people between Arafah, Mudzalifah, Mina, and the
Masjid Al-Haram during the Hajj period, an efficient mass transport system must be
implemented, to reduce the traveling time of the pilgrims and to diminish the traffic
jams in Makkah. A fast moving train and railway system is a viable solution to be
developed in replacing current bus services and the practice of using private
vehicles.

The success of fast moving railway system could be seen in the USA, Japan, and
France. In Malaysia, Express Railway System is being used to transport people from
Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kuala Lumpur city center. The construction of a
longer distance express railway from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore will start soon.

As a good example, the bullet train in Japan managed to service more than 2 millions
people daily from area as far as 300km radius from Tokyo. Compared to the situation
in Japan, the problem faced during the Hajj season could be easily solved using
careful planning coupled with the right technology and system.

4. Waste Management System

Another issue that occurred during Hajj is the huge amount of waste generated by
the pilgrims. The stockpile of waste needs to be cleared, as it is part of our religious
obligation and hygiene needs.

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PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ
MOBILSATION SYSTEM

Current practice of cleaning involved workers sweeping the rubbish manually. As a

short-term measure, it is suggested that vacuum machine being used to replace the
sweeps. This will reduce the amount of cleaning time and increasing efficiency and
level of cleanliness.

In Europe and Japan, the practice of manual cleaning is slowly being abolished.
Machines have helped to reduce human contact with the collected waste in order to
prevent spreading of infectious diseases. The current system will be revised to
enhance its efficiency and the safety of the workers.

In Malaysia, the recycling of domestic and industrial waste has been practiced
nationwide. The system used could be tailor made to suite the need in Makkah.

5. Local amenities

As part of enhancing the overall Hajj mobility, the infrastructure and facilities in the
Hajj areas also need to be revised to accommodate all the pilgrims regardless of
gender and sizes. Currently, the entire facilities suited the general sizes of the Arabs
and Europeans. Most of the design does not accommodate women limitation in term
of height of reach due to their wearing of the ihram. Ergonomic designing of the
facilities is needed to ensure ease of use for each pilgrim. The increase in number of
facilities is needed to help the pilgrims cope with the situation especially in Mina
during the stoning days.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

IV -1 PROJECT CONTEXT, DESCRIPTION, AND RATIONALE

The inconvenience faced by the pilgrims and the people of Makkah is getting worse
every year. The problems need to be tackled as soon as possible. Since Hajj issues
involved pilgrims from all Muslim nations, it is therefore suggested that a joint
international research and development team need be assembled. Views from all
nations are required to ensure the development of an efficient Hajj system. The
suggested activities will require Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries
(TCDC). Advance researcher from developed Muslim countries will joint forces with
counterpart from less-developed nation. This will lead to technology transfer and
capacity building among participating countries.

IV-2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

I. To form a joint research and development team of Muslim countries.

II. To develop training and education module fro the pilgrims.
III. To propose new scientific solutions with latest technologies in mobilizing the Hajj-
performer movement smoothly and efficiently.
IV. To implement suitable surveillance technology in collecting real-time data, to
manipulate it into useful information to everyone.
V. To develop and implement people transport mechanism that will ensure a smooth
and efficient movement of the pilgrims.
VI. To develop upgrades for current infrastructures and facilities.
VII. To develop an efficient waste management system for the Holy City of Makkah.
VIII. To suggest optimization of space and land allocation in the Al-Harram vicinity.

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PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ
MOBILSATION SYSTEM

IX. To implement a centralized management centre with real-time monitoring of the

Hajj performer, support systems, emergency response, and special/ contingency
function.

IV-3 PROJECT AREA /LOCATION

Jeddah, Makkah, Arafah, Mina, and Mudzalifah

IV-4 PROJECT SCOPE

Development, Implementation, and Commercialization.

1. For the Hajj pilgrims
a. Training Module
b. Development of Surveillance System
2. Infrastructure and Facilities
a. Mass Transport System
b. Enhanced Waste Management System
c. Ergonomic water fountain, toilet, bath, etc.

IV-5 PROJECT IMPACT (economy, social, environment, knowledge base, etc)

1. Generate higher number of Muslim researchers/scientists for participating

Countries.
2. Knowledge & Technology transfer between participating Countries within (but not
limited to) the proposed research areas.
3. Developed systems could be implemented in any part of the world. Technology can
be commercialized to others as revenue for countries involved.
4. The waste management system will strive to reduce the amount of waste
generated for a healthier lifestyle. Recycling of waste will reduce the need for
landfill space, prolonging the service life of the dumpsite.
5. The railway system proposed will be powered by electricity. It will reduce the need
for public transport, reducing the use of private vehicle while, decreasing the
amount of carbon dioxide generation from transportation sector.

IV-6 PROJECT COST AND FINANCING PLAN

Identified financiers:
1. Islamic Development Bank (IDB)
2. King Abdul Aziz Science & Technology Center (KAASTC).

Development cost need to be financed partly by KSA Government and partly by IDB.
Since all development lead to commercialization, the money spent will generate
income to the KSA Government in the long term. A small amount of fee need to be
charged to the pilgrims using the facilities provided.

Please refer to APPENDIX I, attached for Project Costing.

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PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ
MOBILSATION SYSTEM

IV-7 IDB’S REQUIRED INTERVENTION

IDB funding is required to help in the development and commercialization of the

projects from the beginning.

V. PROJECT JUSTIFICATIONS

VI-1 TECHNICAL & ECONOMICAL JUSTIFICATIONS

New Development & Commercialization Project.

The current systems are overloaded, although the numbers of pilgrims have been
limited to 2 millions per Hajj season. Every year, massive traffic jams occurred. Quite a
huge numbers of pilgrims died due to overcrowded yearly. Tons of wastes were left on
the streets after the pilgrims left Arafah, Mudzalifah, and Mina. Judging from current
waste generation, the whole of Makkah will be full of landfills within the next 30 years.

The success of Jamaraat development should be put into practice for the other critical
areas as suggested. With the development in progress, business opportunities are
created for the Muslims nations. This will generate income to various construction
companies in KSA. People from third world Muslim nations could be employed as
workers in the construction projects. The salary received by the workers are usually
channeled back to their respective countries, this will in turn generate micro economic
growth for various Muslim nations aside from KSA.

VI-2 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

Estimated cost of development of the 4 Projects = SR4.0 Billions

(Not including Education Project – already funded by IDB)
Estimated number of pilgrims (Hajj and Omrah) per year = 40.0 Millions people
Minimum charges for the new service provided = SR20.00 per pilgrim
Income generated from service charge = SR800 Millions per year
Estimated income generated from commercialization of training module
= SR 1 Million per year

Thus, Return on Investment will be generated after 5 years of project completion.

VI-3 SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

The current systems need immediate overhauling to reduce the traffic jams situation in
the Holy City of Makkah, Arafah, Mina, Mudzalifah during the Hajj activity. Some of the
pilgrims are stuck in traffic jams for more than 12 hours for a journey of just 7 km. The
worst ever time recorded by Tabung Haji of Malaysia is 30 hours for a trip from
Mudzalifah to Mina.

The stressful conditions are unbearable to some of the pilgrim. There were incidents of
pilgrims dying during the journey from Arafah to Mudzalifah and to Mina. This tragedy
need to be prevented to ensure a sense of safety for the future pilgrims.

For the Makkah populace, the crowded and jam packed situation is burdening them
every year. This will somehow create uneasy feelings between locals and the pilgrims.

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PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ
MOBILSATION SYSTEM

Thus, development and implementation of new system is imminent for the safety of the
pilgrims and for the tranquility of the locals.

VI. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

V-1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Administrator
Financier: IDB Implementer:
:
& KAASTC KSA Government
USM

Development:
Consultant:
Developer &
Researchers
Technology Provider

V-2 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Please refer to APPENDIX II, attached for Project Implementation Schedule.

V-3 PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES

Procurement will be done through a standard tendering committee that will be made up
of official from IDB, KSA Government, and USM.

V-4 CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Researcher of UQU and USM will provide the necessary consultancy needed for these
projects.

V-5 EXECUTING AGENCY

The Government of KSA, through its’ Development Authority.

V-6 LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The KSA Government will be the owner of the development project. All development
will go through the proper channel (rules and regulation) as required by KSA
Government ruling. All the activities suggested are within the limit of the law of KSA.

V-7 SUPERVISION, AUDITING AND REPORTING

Supervision of activities will be conducted by USM and KSA representatives.

Auditing of the funding expenditure will be conducted by IDB representative.
Report of progress and expenditure will be submitted to IDB and the KSA Government
thrice per year (every 4 months) or as requested.

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PROPOSAL: A JOINT DEVELOPMENT EFFORT FOR INTELLIGENT AND INTEGRATED HAJJ
MOBILSATION SYSTEM

VII. PROJECT RISKS AND SUSTAINABILITY

1. All activities need consent/approval from KSA Government.

2. The willingness of KSA Government to fund the development.

The development will sustain itself after 5 years of it completion.

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For further information/enquiries, kindly contact: Khairur Rahim at khairurrahim@gmail.com