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Hajj statistics updates every (6 hours) via an interactive map on the site GaStat operates an advanced technical system in the implementation of "Hajj statistics" The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is currently implementing a comprehensive technical system, with more than 470 statistical researchers working in six main entrances to Makkah and three support centers in Medinah, Jeddah and Al Tai’f. The system is connected to a secure electronic network for simultaneous and immediate data flow to the main centers.  Moreover, the GaStat updates the interactive statistical map of  Hajj  every six hours through its official website www.stats.gov.sa   Mr. Khalid Al-Dalqan, Information Technology Under Secretary at GaStat, said that GaStat is working continuously to develop the methodologies and programs needed to collect, process, analyze and disseminate data to achieve comprehensiveness, reliability and timeliness in data dissemination through the use of modern technology that contributes to reducing the time and place factors which may delay data processing speed and accuracy as well as the speed of extraction and data dissemination during Hajj.  GaStat has applied a modern method of collecting field data using the latest technology and software by using electronic forms on tablets when counting pilgrims, which allow quick access to daily data and total results of the number of pilgrims classified according to their nationalities, centers and times of arrival. He added that all statistical researchers in Mekkah have been trained to use modern technology and devices effectively to implement the Hajj statistics program using tablets connected with the main servers in Riyadh in addition to the link to backup servers in all statistical centers that work offline if needed.  Moreover, Al-Dalqan said that the Authority has allocated a technical support team working around the clock ( in order to train all employees categories to use Hajj systems, know  how to extract daily reports, follow up the productivity of field work groups and solve all technical problems that may face the work groups during data collection), Furthermore, it has dedicated other work teams for the preparation  distributed to all main and support statistical centers. GaStat provided analysis and design teams as well as a team to develop data collection systems, including the tablet  system used to collect field data that includes a digital form to count pilgrims containing all data on the results of pilgrims enumeration numbers arriving in Makkah connected to the coordinates of the information gathering site. These devices work via a remote control systems that allow the tracking devices to provide remote technical support.    On the other hand, Information Technology Under Secretary at the GaStat pointed out that the Hajj statistics platform of the technical system was added to Hajj  of this year for the main center and the main counting centers. This allows the specialists to review the pilgrims statistics of this year updated in comparison to the historical data at the level of arrival centers of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom,  their nationalities, arrival time and types of vehicles, in addition to the statistics of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom as well as the pilgrims of Mekkah. It is worth mentioning that GaStat has standardized the definitions and terminology used in Hajj statistics, where the pilgrim is the counting unit. The process of counting pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom is limited to the persons wearing Ihram who are already been counted at the centers of Hajj statistics at the entrances to Makkah. The counting includes All Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, males and females, coming from different regions of the Kingdom to Makkah for the purpose of performing Hajj, with the addition of the total number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the points of entry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Detailed Bulletin for Hajj Statistics Will Be Issued on Eid day with (40) Statistical Outputs GASTAT: The Final Announcement of Pilgrims’ Total Number in 1439 H is after the Sunset of the Day of Arafah As it continues publishing up-to-date statistics every six hours, GASTAT announced that the enumeration of pilgrims for the hajj season of this year 1439 H, which is through the ports of Makkah, will stop at 6:30 along with the sunset of (the day of Arafah) on Monday, the ninth of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Moreover, the time of the final announcement of the total number of pilgrims will be few hours later on the same day. However, the time of publishing the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics 1439H will be on Tuesday (Eid day) at  11 A.M.  The vice president of the statistical works Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil assured that the hajj statistical bulletin which will be published on Eid day includes (40) main statistical outputs to support the planning of serving pilgrims and the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. AL-Batil illustrated that the bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the numbers of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by gender and way of arrival, the arrival of Saudi pilgrims by way of arrival, Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia classified according to gender and nationality, the Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside classified by way of arrival, comparing the number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside according to their nationalities, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside to the city of Makkah according to the vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, comparing the number of pilgrims from outside according to the way of arrival. These data will be available with more than one template including the statistical hajj map which facilitates the access to any information that is related to hajj statistics. On the other hand, the vice president of statistical works assured that the program of hajj statistics which is implemented by GASTAT aims to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data, and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities of Saudi Arabia in the future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims and visitors of the holy mosque, including all social, health, security, food, and transportation services. That is through using time series of accurate data about the numbers of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, applying the necessary annual traffic plans including the plan of the mass movement of pilgrims (Tasaeed and Nafrah), in addition to supporting the researchers and other beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. About the inclusiveness of the enumeration process and whether it includes buses and vehicles drivers, Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil clarified that the enumeration unit of Hajj statistics is the pilgrim. Which means that the procedure of the enumeration of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia is restricted to pilgrims who were enumerated at the Hajj statistical centers that are located in the entry ports of the city of Makkah, the driver will be enumerated in case he was a pilgrim. The enumeration procedure includes all Saudi and Non-Saudi individuals (males and females) arriving from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah with Hajj intention. However, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia will be enumerated by the General Department of Passports at the entry ports of Saudi Arabia. GASTAT will be provided with their numbers to be added to the total number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia.

GASTAT: The total number of pilgrims in 1439H Hajj season reached (2.371.675) pilgrims On Monday, the ninth of Dhu-Al-Hijjah, the General Authority for Statistics announced the results of 1439H Hajj statistics. The total number of pilgrims reached (2.371.675) pilgrims, (1.758.722) of whom came from outside Saudi Arabia, whereas (612.953) came from inside Saudi Arabia.  However, the total number of male pilgrims reached (1.327.127) pilgrims, while female pilgrims reached (1.044.548) pilgrims.  With respect to the pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia, GCC pilgrims reached (34.140) pilgrims with (1.9) %, but the number of pilgrims from Arab countries apart from GCC pilgrims reached (395.410) pilgrims with (22.5) %, whereas the number of pilgrims from Asian countries apart from Arab countries reached (1.049.496) pilgrims with (59.7) %. In addition, the number of pilgrims from African countries apart from Arab countries reached (166.083) pilgrims with (9.5) %. However, the number of pilgrims from European countries reached (88.601) pilgrims with (5.0) %, whereas the number of pilgrims from North America, South America, and Australia reached (24.992) pilgrims with (1.4) %. Moreover, (1.656.936) pilgrims who came from outside Saudi Arabia arrived through air ports, and (85.623) of whom arrived through land ports. However, (16.163) pilgrims arrived through sea ports.  Additionally, the pilgrims’ arrival to Saudi Arabia was at different periods of time. (557.282) of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia at the beginning of hajj until the 18th of Dhu AL-Qidah, and (744.903) of pilgrims arrived between 19-29 of Dhu AL-Qidah. Moreover, (456.537) of pilgrims continued to arrive to Saudi Arabia during the time period from 1 to 8 of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Regarding the pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia whose numbers reached (612.953) pilgrims this year, the total number of pilgrims arriving from the cities and governorates of Saudi Arabia reached (239.962), (372.991) of whom are from the city of Makkah including the temporary residents during the hajj season, (401.217) are Non-Saudi pilgrims, and (211.736) are Saudi pilgrims. GASTAT has enumerated the pilgrims arriving to Makkah from inside Saudi Arabia (Saudis and Non-Saudis) through the hajj statistics centers located in the entrances of Makkah. In addition, the percentage of pilgrims arriving to Makkah from inside Saudi Arabia through Jeddah/Makkah road reached (38.2) %, (29.4) % arrived through AL-Shrae’a/Makkah road, and (17.8) % arrived through Makkah/Medina road. Moreover, (14.6) % arrived through the other three roads which are the South/Makkah road, Taif/Makkah road, and the old Jeddah/Makkah road. GASTAT illustrated in its results of hajj statistics of this year that the seventh, eighth and ninth days of Dhu AL-Hijjah have witnessed an arrival reached (86.8) % out of the total number of pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia reached (32.289) vehicles. As for the number of the labor force of entities that provided their services to pilgrims from all sectors, the numbers of governmental entities’ labor force reached more than 287.300 persons representing some governmental and private entities which participated in providing more than 215 main services and sub-services. Supervision and follow-up services were provided by 7310 male and female supervisors from 6 entities. However, public services were provided by 192.254 employees from 19 different entities, whereas health services were provided by 32.579 employees from 3 entities. Furthermore, the number of the labor force in transportation and post services, as well as logistic services (shipping, post and supply) that Saudi Arabia provides to pilgrims reached 47.765 employees working in seven entities, while ICT services were provided by 7.411 employees from 4 different entities.  On the other hand, his excellency the president of GASTAT, Dr.Fahad Altekhaifi thanked all the governmental security entities that supported GASTAT to implement its task in the hajj statistics of this year. He also praised the work of more than 450 statistical researchers who completed their assigned tasks for the hajj of this year after working 24/7 starting from the beginning of this month until the sunset of the day of Arafah.  Dr.Altekhaifi assured that all the details related to hajj statistics of the year 1439H have been published along with this announcement through the statistical hajj map and the detailed bulletin for hajj statistics which include more than (40) statistical outputs on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities in their future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims., including all social, health, security, food and transportation services by using time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Holy Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, in addition to supporting the researchers and beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving the pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. The statistical map and bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the number of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia according to gender and the way of arrival, the arrival of the Saudi pilgrims according to the way of arrival and nationality, comparing the number of the Non-Saudi pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia in the years 1438H and 1439H by nationality, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah by vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, and comparing the numbers of pilgrims coming from outside in the years 1438H and 1439Haccording to the way of arrival. By the end of the Hajj statistical works, GASTAT wishes that God accepts the pilgrims’ hajj and wishes success to all governmental and security entities and to other entities in Saudi Arabia to serve distinguished services and come out with a safe and distinct hajj season.

15.927 “Mobile” cell towers in Makkah, Medina and the Holy Places in addition to 460 sale points for mobile SIM cards ‘’GASTAT’’: More Than 7.400 Employees to Provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Services for Hajj Season of This Year On Friday 6th of Dhu Al-hijjah, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published the related data of ICT services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims within the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season. The statistical calendar showed that the total number of employees providing ICT services this year reached 7.411 employees who work 24/7 in order to deliver adequate and improved services. Moreover, these services are supervised by the Communications and Information Technology Commission in accordance with authorized service providers. On the other hand, the number of branch offices of telecom services reached 69 offices in Makkah this year, and the total number of 2G, 3G and 4G cell towers was 15.972 towers and that is to ensure and extend the coverage of mobile network and data in Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat, Medina and at the Holy Mosque. Additionally, telecom and internet services are available at all air, land and sea ports as well as all roads to serve pilgrims at anytime and anywhere. The percentage of increase in the number of 4G cell towers was at 42.90% at the Holy Mosque, 24.40% in Makkah, 106.00% at the holy places, and 24.50% in Medina. More importantly, the percentage of increase of 4G network capacity at the peak hours for this season reached 80.00% at the Holy Mosque, 84.00% in Makkah, 182.00% at the holy places, and 36.30% in Medina.   It is worth mentioning that within the developmental works of serving pilgrims, the number of base stations ‘’cell towers’’ increased to nearly 3000 cell towers in Makkah and Medina compared to last year. Concerned bodies have also worked on providing wireless internet services by using Wi-Fi technology where the access points of this year reached 3000 points. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has launched ‘’Smart Hajj’’ application this year on ‘’Saudi’’ portal to provide digital services. Moreover, the ministry has also made a list of the distinguished interactive apps in order to identify Hajj rituals and to help pilgrims to benefit from technology when moving between the holy places. Also, the ministry has put a number of guidelines, health apps and some government applications that may help pilgrims and Umrah performers in Makkah and Medina.  On the other hand, the Communications and Information Technology Commission branch in Makkah periodically checks the sound and internet indicators, ensures their effectiveness, scans the frequency bands of mobile networks at the Two Holy Mosques as well as the connected highways between Makkah, Jeddah and Medina to ensure the quality of mobile services. It also deals with any harmful interference that may affect the performance of the network and allows the use of frequencies of each mobile service provider to increase the capacity of the network and improve the level of services provided to pilgrims in Makkah, Medina and the holy places. Saudi Arabia's telecommunications companies have more than 460 sales points available at the holy places to provide SIM cards, data SIM cards and recharge cards, as well as providing technical support centres with various languages to serve the pilgrims. GASTAT has included this data and its details in the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season, which was set in order to publish all the statistics related to Hajj services provided by governmental entities to pilgrims, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa .