PPIH Forms Special Mina Team to Serve Elderly and Sick Pilgrims at Hajj Peak

The Saudi Arabia-based Hajj Organising Authority (PPIH) has formed a Special Mina Team (Timsus Mina) to optimise protection and guidance services for elderly and ill pilgrims during the peak of Hajj. The Mina Special Team comprises personnel from the Jemaah Protection Unit (Linjam) who have at least one prior Hajj operation experience, said Harun Arrasyid Usman, Coordinator of the Arafah-Muzdalifah-Mina Operations Section (Satop Armuzna) and Jemaah Protection for the Saudi PPIH, in a statement on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The Mina Special Team departed on the night of 8 Zulhijjah and went directly to Mina, bypassing Arafah. Harun explained that the core duties of the Mina Special Team include supervising, welcoming, and monitoring the movement of pilgrims who had just arrived from Muzdalifah to Jamrah Aqobah. In addition, they are prepared to assist pilgrims entering the murur scheme or cross from Arafah. ‘The arrival phase in Mina is a highly critical period as it can trigger crowding and significant physical fatigue,’ he said. ‘For pilgrims residing in Mina tents, Jamarat execution is prioritised on the third floor. We urge after finishing the Jamarat stoning not to descend to the lower floors,’ Harun added. Harun advised pilgrims to ask for directions back to their tents at the location, as the route will loop out and then re-enter the Muaisim Tunnel. The round trip distance via the two Muaisim Tunnels is estimated at around 4.5 kilometres. PPIH hopes that with well-planned route orientation and the Mina Special Team’s readiness, the entire peak Hajj sequence can proceed safely, effectively, and efficiently.