Saudi Arabia sharply increased environmental monitoring during the 2026 Hajj season, with the National Center for Environmental Compliance reporting a 145 percent rise in inspection rounds targeting high-impact activities compared with the previous season. The center said it leaned heavily on satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to widen its coverage around the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites.
According to Ali Al-Ghamdi, the center's chief executive, this year's monitoring relied on more than 200 satellite images enhanced with AI analysis and a team of specialists. The approach allowed inspectors to be directed to problem areas with greater speed and accuracy.
Satellite Imagery and Faster Response
The center responded to more than 100 environmental reports during the season, and roughly half were detected through satellite imagery rather than ground reports. Al-Ghamdi said this enabled teams to be deployed more efficiently across the vast area of the holy sites.
Laboratory work expanded as well. The center carried out more than 2,300 tests across Makkah and Madinah, analyzing samples to verify environmental safety. In total, inspectors conducted over 1,800 inspection rounds during the season.
What the Inspections Found
The inspections identified around 250 cases of noncompliance. According to the center, 95 percent of these were organizational or administrative in nature, while technical environmental violations with significant impact did not exceed 5 percent. Regulatory measures were taken in coordination with relevant authorities to address the issues and rehabilitate affected sites.
Air quality received close attention. The center operated nine air quality monitoring stations around areas where pilgrims gather. For the first time, it ran a 24-hour pollution forecasting program, which allowed inspectors to identify emission sources early and prevent pollution from worsening.
Noise, Waste, and Long-Term Monitoring
The center expanded noise monitoring across Makkah and the holy sites, operating six fixed stations alongside portable devices carried daily by inspectors. Readings were taken between camps, at the holy sites, on roads, and in the tunnels leading to the Grand Mosque. According to the center, no measurements exceeded permissible limits during the season.
Waste from the sacrificial animal slaughter was a particular focus. Al-Ghamdi said the center closely monitored the safe disposal of solid and liquid waste from slaughterhouses in Makkah, the holy sites, and Madinah, compiling reports on procedures and the safety of surrounding environmental conditions.
The work does not stop when pilgrims leave. The center said it will continue using satellite imagery to monitor identified sites and will conduct more than 1,800 analyses of soil and water after the season to ensure the long-term sustainability of the environment around the holy sites.
Practical Notes for Pilgrims
Environmental compliance is a shared responsibility. Pilgrims can reduce their impact by disposing of waste only in designated bins, avoiding food and packaging litter in the camps of Mina and at Arafat, and following the guidance of service providers. Keeping the holy sites clean is consistent with the Prophetic teaching that cleanliness is part of faith.
Pilgrims should also choose reputable, licensed Hajj operators, since the inspections found that most violations were tied to service providers rather than individuals. Booking through accredited companies helps ensure that camps and catering meet the Kingdom's standards.