Abstract
Maintaining up-to-date guidelines for an emergency shelter response (ESR) is crucial for serving Rahman guests when natural hazards, such as floods, storms and rockslides, occur, particularly during large-scale holy events, such as Hajj. ESR guidelines are vital for ensuring that cleaner, greener and more secure and private places for survival are provided to those who been affected so they may complete their worship. A qualitative research design was employed for this study in order to analyse case studies, existing guidelines and the literature in relation to the development of an appropriate ESR. The analysis indicated that existing guidelines are relatively ineffective. The guidelines available in Saudi Arabia provided some knowledge and information but little help on developing ESR guidelines for natural hazards in sacred sites (including Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat) in Makkah, where focused and quick guidance is desired, as stated by the General Directorate of Civil Defence.To achieve the objective of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop and improve services provided to Rahman guests, this study recommends improved guidelines involving multiple stages for the development of an ESR to guarantee that the performance and provision of the ESR are effective. The proposed guidelines will help stakeholders to manage decision-making, whilst giving them the required information to account for the environmental, sociocultural, economic and technical elements that must be considered in the implementation of response processes in order to maximise the fitness of the response for achieving its purpose and to save the lives and protect the welfare of the Rahman guests so they may continue their worship.