7,000 Volunteers, 2,000 Employees, and 2,573 Smart Cameras: Department of Order and Security Announces Service Statistics for the 2026 Arbaeen Pilgrimage

The Department of Order and Security at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine has announced the statistics of its security, logistical, and human services provided to pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) for the year 2026, as part of an integrated plan to secure the pilgrimage and organize the movement of pilgrims.

The head of the department, Mr. Rasool Fadhala, stated in an interview with the official website that "the department's staff operated under a comprehensive security and organizational plan to manage the millions of attendees. This included reinforcing services with over 7,000 volunteers and deploying 2,000 employees into active service, alongside deploying 200 translators at the gates, entrances, and deposit centers of the holy shrine to communicate with non-Arabic speaking pilgrims."

He added that "logistical services featured the setup of 18 deposit containers with a total capacity of 1,500 compartments, the provision of 240 wheelchairs for individuals with special needs, and assigning 400 staff members and volunteers to monitor pilgrimage etiquette and direct the movement of crowds inside the shrine and its surrounding areas."

He clarified that "the security and technological infrastructure helped address 600 various security cases, integrated 2,573 surveillance cameras powered by artificial intelligence technology, and deployed 235 mobile fire extinguishers in addition to fixed units. Furthermore, 6 stationary units and 3 mobile teams were formed in direct coordination with the Civil Defense Directorate in Holy Karbala."

He noted that "security efforts involved placing 22 IDE explosive detection devices, deploying 5 modern inspection scanners of the RAPISCAN XR model, as well as setting up a forensic laboratory and utilizing two explosive detection robots alongside 'sniffer' devices designated for security inspection and detection."

He highlighted that "direct services for visitors included attaching 1,500 wristbands to ensure the safety of children and the elderly, distributing 600 copies of the 'Hussain Visitor Guide' brochure in three languages—Arabic, Persian, and English—as well as handing out 560 survey forms to evaluate visitor satisfaction regarding the provided services."

These initiatives are part of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine's plan to harness human resources, technical systems, and logistical capabilities to secure the multi-million pilgrimage, streamline visitor flow, and ensure the highest standards of safety and smooth movement.