Makkah: Ensuring a safe and peaceful worship environment for the hundreds of thousands of believers who come to Makkah and Madinah from different parts of the world to hear the call of faith has been one of Saudi Arabia’s major responsibilities for decades. The security system that focused on the security of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Masjid Dunnabawi in Madinah and the protection of the pilgrims has evolved over time to become today’s extensive system. The Saudi Ministry of Interior released a video through its official X account that shed light on the history of the development of the security system of the holy Harams for the first time. The footage shows the growth of the security system from the time of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud to the era of the current ruler, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Servant of the Holy Shrines.
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Beginning during the reign of King Abdulaziz
A new chapter in the history of the maintenance of the holy harems began when King Abdulaziz entered Mecca. Security was not seen as separate from the development of harems. Ensuring security on every route to Masjid al-Haram, Masjid Dunna Bawi and the Holy Places was considered an essential responsibility. The main task in the first phase was to create a permanent security system in Makkah and Madinah, which received believers from different parts of the world. As part of this, police systems and training systems for security personnel were developed. In 1354 Hijra, the establishment of the police school by order of King Abdulaziz was a crucial step in the development of the modern security training system in Saudi Arabia.
Security that grew with development
During the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz, the development activities in Makkah and Madinah became more extensive. The first Saudi development of the Masjid al-Haram, initiated by King Abdulaziz, progressed during the reign of King Saud and was completed during the reign of King Faisal. As the area of the Haram increased, so did the number of pilgrims. More roads, wider yards and entry-exit gates were required. With this, controlling the movement of pilgrims has become more than just a routine security operation. It grew into a crowd control system that coordinated roads, entrances, transportation systems, services, and security systems. During the reign of King Faisal, security systems were further strengthened along with the development of infrastructure in Mecca and the holy places. Along with this, the expansion of infrastructure like roads, water and electricity also took place. This era also emphasized the approach of preventing congestion before it becomes a hazard, rather than controlling it after it occurs.
Time of King Khalid: Expansion of infrastructure
During the reign of King Khalid, Saudi Arabia entered a major infrastructure development phase. It was also reflected in the areas of Hajj and Haram development. The opening of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in 1401 AH was a major milestone in receiving pilgrims. The development of road network, improvement of communication systems and modernization of administrative and organizational systems also helped to make the journey of pilgrims more efficient.
The Age of King Fahd: A Time when Security and Technology Go Hand in Hand
The reign of King Fahd was one of the great turning points in the history of the Holy Harams. The second Saudi development of Masjid al-Haram brought extensive courtyards, facilities and service systems into place. There were also major changes in the transportation, security and infrastructure of the holy places. Fireproof tents, improved roads, various schemes to facilitate the movement of pilgrims were implemented during this period. In other words, security was not limited to the presence of security personnel but became embedded in the design of buildings, roads, tents and transport systems.
King Abdullah: A new paradigm for the movement of billions of pilgrims
During the reign of King Abdullah, the holy harems entered another major phase of development. The third Saudi development of the Masjid al-Haram was initiated, with major developments in the courtyards, tunnels, service facilities and entry-exit systems. The development of the Mataaf, the Jamarat Bridge and the Masha’ir Metro met different needs, but the goal was the same to create conditions for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to travel more smoothly, safely and peacefully.
The Age of King Salman: Security in the Digital Age
Under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Servant of the Holy Shrines, development plans for the Harams and Holy Places continue to expand. In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, infrastructure development, digital transformation, crowd control and improving the pilgrim experience have all become part of a single comprehensive system.
Under the continued leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the development of Mecca and Medina has entered a more comprehensive stage.
Today’s security system is not limited to field surveillance. Data collection, analysis of people movement, decision making with the help of technical systems are also integral components of the security system.
Not a single security system, but a comprehensive national system
The security of the holy harems today is not the responsibility of just one sect. It is a vast national system in which various sectors like security agencies, health services, transport systems, municipal departments, operational services and institutions related to harems work in coordination. As technology advances rapidly, so do security systems.
Security is not just the protection of buildings
The security of the Holy Harams is not limited to guarding the buildings, monitoring the roads and controlling the crowd. The pilgrim who comes from far away to hear the call of faith, the believer who performs Umrah in search of peace and tranquility, and every visitor who comes to worship in a safe environment is the focus of this security system. The journey from the institutional security system that started at the time of King Abdulaziz to today’s digital technology is the history of the security of the Holy Harams with time. It is also the story of a changed system. When old experiences and modern technology join hands, it does not remain only a memory of history. It is advancing as a continuing legacy, adding new capacity with each era to secure the present and provide a more peaceful experience for future pilgrims.
Content Highlights: Evolution of security and infrastructure at the Two Holy Mosques across Saudi reigns., Transition from basic policing under King Abdulaziz to digital crowd management under King Salman., Integration of modern technology, architecture, and national agencies for pilgrim safety.
Published: Sep 29, 2026, 01:40 am IST
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