MINA: Some 524 pilgrims with disabilities arrived earlier at the holy sites, embarking on their spiritual journey as part of a pioneering national initiative led by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, now in its fifth consecutive year.
The National Hajj Initiative for Persons with Disabilities was designed to ensure that pilgrims with disabilities can perform Hajj with dignity and ease. It provides a suite of tailored services, including accessible transportation, specialized accommodation and 24-hour escort support for those in need.
The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which prioritizes inclusivity and a higher quality of life for all citizens and residents. By expanding access and strengthening support for pilgrims with disabilities, the Kingdom is reaffirming its commitment to equitable participation in all aspects of life.
According to the General Authority for Statistics’ Disability Statistics Publication 2023, released in May 2024 and carried by the Saudi Press Agency, an estimated 1.8 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population lives with some form of disability. These include a range of physical, sensory and communication impairments of varying levels of severity.
