March 26, 2025: Ahead of the Haj season for 2025, the Saudi General Authority of Haramain has successfully conducted a test landing of the emergency air ambulance by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. This landing took place on the newly constructed heilipad on the Third Expansion of the Holy Masjid in Makkah (Masjid Al Haram).

This air ambulance, a helicopter, full equipped with a medical stretcher, vital signs monitoring equipment, oxygen support systems, etc. This was a trial run and the service will now be implemented fully.

In order to expedite medical evacuations, the Haramain authority have opened two helipads on the grounds of the Masjid Al Haram. This will enhance emergency medical support to pilgrims, ahead of the Haj and Umrah season and facilitate immediate transportation of critical cases to nearby hospitals in Makkah and Jeddah.