JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Tuesday launched the second phase of  transport simulations as part of preparations for Hajj 2023. The exercise includes more than 3,000 buses in partnership with security and regulatory authorities, and more than 10,000 workers. Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that the second phase is part of the ministry’s efforts to prepare for Hajj. He added that through the simulation, the ministry is testing the operational capacity of companies, the effectiveness of technical systems supporting pilgrim movement, as well as the efficiency of workers. As part of preparations, a 15-hour transport exercise will be held under the supervision of the ministry, and in partnership with Hajj security and regulatory authorities. Thousands of buses belonging to 57 transport companies will take part in the event, which will test 37 routes, 107 service offices and 19 field service businesses across the holy sites. The simulation plan will test the movement of pilgrims from Makkah to Mina, then the ascent to Arafat, as well as the ascent from Mina to Arafat, followed by the Tawaf Al-Ifadah phase from Arafat to Muzdalifah, then the exodus from Muzdalifah to Mina, and from there to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform the Tawaf Al-Wadaa. The first simulation phase was launched three months ago. It included the movement of 1,300 buses over a period of three and a half hours, testing the ascent to Arafat, Tawaf Al-Ifadah from Arafat to Muzdalifah, then Tawaf Al-Iafadah from Muzdalifah to Mina, and then the return to Arafat. By staging simulations, the ministry aims to improve the efficiency of operations and maintain Hajj activities in accordance with international safety standards.