Until the beginning of this century, only a few thousand pilgrims a year came to Makkah for the Hajj (annual pilgrimage). In recent years, however, the number of pilgrims has been exceeding two millions. In order to accommodate such large numbers of visitors to the holy areas, the services and infrastructure of the pilgrimage areas have been tremendousfy expanded through the construction of such modern motor-vehicle facilities as larger roads and motorways (expressways), bridges, tunnels, and parking facilities, as well as the implementation of public transport services and pedestrian facilities and amenities.

The mobility systems of the Hajj have been the focus of extensive research conducted at the Hajj Research Center (HRC). In this book, Dr. Adnan A. AI-Yafi, former Deputy Director-General of HRC, presents a unique and innovative approach to the solution of Hajj mobility problems and similar large-scale movement challenges by using logistical management techniques relying on state-of-the-art mathematical modelling.

The book consists of five chapters plus a bibliography, appendices, and an Arabic summary. It includes informative historical and modern photographs of Hajj activities as well as maps, diagrams, chartsgraphs, and statistical tables, all of which are of especial value to interested researchers.

The book can be ordered directly from the author, Dr. Adnan AI-Yafi, at the following address:

P. O. Box 734 Jeddah 21421 Saudi Arabia