By MD AL-SULAMI | ARAB NEWS STAFF Published: Feb 26, 2012 01:45 Updated: Feb 26, 2012 01:45
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on Saturday underscored the need for making quick and concerted efforts to improve the living conditions of people in Makkah's unplanned districts.
"There should be relentless efforts to improve their conditions in the best possible manner in all spheres of life, including social, cultural, economic, health, humanitarian, security and education. The project for the development of unplanned districts is not restricted to construction of buildings but to improving all realms of public life in these districts," he said.
Prince Khaled, who is also chairman of the executive committee for the development of unplanned districts in Makkah, made the remarks while chairing the 11th meeting of the committee after making an inspection tour of five unplanned districts in Makkah.
The governor drew attention to the pathetic conditions of these districts, some of which are in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque. "These districts are lagging behind in all respects. People in these localities are living in unhealthy conditions. The project for the development of these areas also include improving the conditions of expatriates living legally," he said, while reiterating that no one without a valid Iqama (residence permit) will be allowed to live there.
Prince Khaled highlighted the religious, economic, social and cultural significance of developing these districts. "The project is being implemented in the holiest place on earth. It is essential we make Makkah a cultural model both in terms of place and people for all Muslims who come to Islam's holiest shrine," he said.
Motorists flash hazard lights to alert other drivers as traffic slows down in the capital during a sandstorm on Saturday afternoon. (AN photo)
By RODOLFO ESTIMO JR. | ARAB NEWS STAFF Published: Feb 26, 2012 01:44 Updated: Feb 26, 2012 01:44
Riyadh: A heavy sandstorm hit the Saudi capital yesterday, making the city totally dark after 4 p.m. as it swept through neighboring areas.
"Darkness enveloped the main arteries of the capital city such as Qassim, King Fahd, Khurais and Makkah roads because of the storm which started at about 12 noon," said Benny M. Quiambao, a Filipino building contractor. Drivers slowed down and switched on their hazard lights as visibility dropped to zero, he said.
Earlier, the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) had warned that a sandstorm was approaching Riyadh with a one-meter horizontal visibility.
Director General of Health Affairs in Riyadh Dr. Adnan bin Sulaiman Al-Abdulkarim, announced at 3 p.m. yesterday that hospitals under the Ministry of Health were ready to admit dust-hit patients.
Other regions like Qassim and Hail had also been affected. "The sandstorm started at 8:30 in the morning in Qassim, followed by rains at about 12:15 in the afternoon. It stopped at about 3:30 p.m.," said Arnold G. Pineda, a community leader in Buraidah. He added that by 5:30 p.m. the rains had stopped but the skies remained cloudy.
Edmund Nieto, who works for the STC in Hail, said there was no storm in the area. "However, there were intermittent rains and the skies were cloudy the whole day," he said.
Murad Al-Sagaf, manufacturing director at a Saudi firm in Buraidah, added that in the northern region, it was cloudy with intermittent rains.
By ARAB NEWS Published: Feb 23, 2012 23:59 Updated: Feb 24, 2012 16:01
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will import sheep from Brazil, Minister of Agriculture Fahd Balghonaim announced Sunday, according to business daily Al-Eqtisdiah.
He said officials from the ministry would soon visit Brazil to make arrangements aimed at importing sheep from the South American country.
He said the local breeds of sheep, such as Al-Niaimi, Al-Najdi and Al-Harri, are usually very expensive, while the imported sheep prices are reasonable. "The ministry is always keen to open new markets to import sheep," he said.
The minister had talks in Riyadh on Saturday with visiting Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Fernando Pimentel and discussed agricultural issues of mutual concern.
Balghonaim said the government was subsidizing the price of fodder but warned that there were limits to this subsidy. "All Saudi farmers get subsidy from the government but this subsidy cannot remain open forever," he said.
The prices of sheep in the Kingdom, currently ranging between SR1,400 and SR1,800 per head, are expected to rise further. The ministry put a ban on imports from European countries as a precautionary measure, to protect animals in the Kingdom from diseases and epidemics such as Schmallenberg virus, which has widely spread among sheep in France.
The current political unrest in some Arab countries has also affected the Kingdom's import of sheep. According to the ministry's sources, Saudi Arabia has completely stopped importing sheep from Syria.
By GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN | ARAB NEWS STAFF Published: Feb 26, 2012 01:44 Updated: Feb 26, 2012 01:44
Chairman of the Shoura Council Abdullah Al-Asheikh said in Riyadh on Friday night that the hosting of the third high-profile consultative meeting of the G20 speakers represents "international recognition" for the Shoura Council and its success in carrying out its legislative duties.
"This is also a recognition of the role of the council in the decision-making process of the Kingdom and its emerging role in the formulation of the foreign policy," said the Shoura chief.
Al-Asheikh, who previously served as minister of justice before being appointed head of the fifth Shoura Council in 2009, said: "The G20 meeting represents an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's approach to consultation, which is part of the ruling system in Islam, followed by the state and its citizens. I am pleased to welcome the leaders and the G20 delegations of the attending states, and I wish them a pleasant stay in the Kingdom."
The Shoura chief was speaking on the occasion of the G20 speakers meeting, which kicked off its two-day run yesterday.
Referring to the participation of the Shoura Council in the previous two meetings of the G20 speakers, he said the council requested the formation of a five-member panel in the first meeting in Canada in 2010. The panel, to be composed of the representatives of five G20 countries, should be entrusted with the task of studying ideas and proposals from member states, with an objective to develop a unified program.
This unified program, he said, might eventually evolve into a charter for the G20 parliamentary meeting in future. He said the council has emerged as "a significant institution in the lawmaking process of the Kingdom."
The Shoura has recently debated important matters like citizenship laws and rejected a proposal to levy taxes on Saudi Arabia's 8 million expatriate workers, he added. Al-Asheikh said the recent decision by King Abdullah to allow women to run and vote in municipal elections and become members of the Shoura Council has huge implications for the status of women in Saudi Arabia in future. "The king's vision has provided the women with hope for what they may accomplish with their new roles," he noted.
In reply to a question about a tentative time frame when women will be inducted as full-fledged members into the Shoura Council, he said things are on track. "Even today, the Shoura Council has 12 female consultants with expertise in different areas," said Al-Asheikh, adding that these women contribute to the council's debates with their views and proposals.
He said the Shoura Council, which is seen as a weak legislative body by people outside the Kingdom, has real powers now. "It is permitted to propose draft laws and forward them to the king to pass or enforce them."
The Shoura also has the powers to interpret laws and examine annual reports referred to it by ministries and agencies. It can also aid and advise the king on policies he submits to it, along with international treaties and economic plans, he noted.
The Shoura is also authorized to review the country's annual budget, and call in ministers for questioning, he said.
About the success achieved by the Shoura Council in addressing public issues, he said the council has expanded the focus of interest to include national issues and those related to the citizens. "We receive hundreds of petitions on a daily basis bearing important notes and viewpoints to be discussed by the different panels of the Shoura Council," said Al-Asheikh, adding the council has a well-defined mechanism to address such issues.
The council has never been silent or simply waiting for what is put forward by the government or the government agencies, but rather has always taken the initiative to address issues that are important for citizens and the nation at large, he added.
To this end, he noted the council's contributions to the development of the Kingdom's education system. A number of social issues have also attracted the attention of the council's 13 special committees, resulting in several proposals being made with an aim to improve the conditions of the people, he said.
Grand Mufti lauds Salman for support to Qur'an competition
By RIYADH: ARAB NEWS
Published: Feb 26, 2012 23:59 Updated: Feb 26, 2012 23:59
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said that the local competition for the Prince Salman Prize for Qur'an Memorization had been instrumental in creating a healthy competitive spirit among the younger generation to learn the holy Qur'an, in which lies the success of their life in this world and hereafter.
"Their association with the Qur'an is the source of their dignity, strength and prestige. This enables our youngsters to lead a sound Islamic life and move forward on a straight path, enlightened with proper understanding of the holy book. It will help them to stay away from destructive ideas and deviant thoughts," he said.
Al-Asheikh commended the great efforts of Defense Minister Prince Salman in the service of the Holy Qur'an, its memorization and propagation. The grand mufti made these remarks in a press statement issued on the occasion of the local competition for the 14th Prince Salman Prize for Qur'an Memorization for Boys and Girls, which will begin at Riyadh Palace Hotel today.
Under the aegis of Prince Salman, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance organizes the weeklong event, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Separate lodging for women a must says Haj ministry
29 February 2012
MADINA - The Ministry of Haj has told Umrah company owners to abide by Shariah rules by providing separate accommodation for women and men. The ministry has also instructed that a secure place be provided for storing guests' passports.
Legal action will be taken against those who don't comply with the ministry's rules or who provide substandard services to the Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and Madina.
If the ministry discovers any shortcoming in the services provided by the Umrah companies it will immediately refer pilgrims to other hospitality facilities.
Companies and establishments have also been told to provide manifestos of the Umrah pilgrims to the ministry 24 hours after they are housed and after their departure.
Umrah companies must also ensure the safety of buses and transportation facilities and provide pilgrims with all means of comfort and safety.
Algeria signed a deal with a Chinese construction giant on Tuesday for the building of a vast new one billion euro mosque that is expected to be the third largest in the world.
Religious Affairs Minister Bouabdallah Ghlamallah declared that the grand mosque which will overlook the seafront in the east of Algiers would be a "one-of-a-kind".
"There will be nothing like it in the world --religiously, touristically and economically," he said as the deal was signed with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
The mega mosque will sit on 20 hectares (49 acres) of land in the Mohammadia area of the capital, with its minaret soaring 270 meters (almost 900 feet) into the sky.
The one billion euro ($1.3-billion) house of worship will be able to 120,000 people and will also feature a library containing one million works and seating for 2,000, as well as a museum and a research center.
It will be the world's third largest mosque after those in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika "wants to leave his mark" through the building of the mosque, which will also become the fourth grand mosque in Algiers, Ghlamallah added.
"Work will start today after the signing of the contract and should be completed in 42 months," the minister said.
The Chinese company, which has been in Algeria for the past 30 years and built the five largest hotels in the country, beat out a Lebanese-Italian concern and an Algerian-Spanish company for the contract.
CSCEC was one of four Chinese companies that were disbarred in 2009 from bidding for World Bank financed projects for periods ranging from five to eight years after a corruption investigation in the Philippines, according to a World Bank statement.
In the case of CSCEC the World Bank recommended that the exclusion period run until 2015.
Algiers currently has three grand mosques: Djamaa el-Kebir, built in the 11th century; Djamaa el-Djedid, built in 1660; and the Ketchaoua, at the foot of the Casbah, also built during the Ottoman rule in the 17th century.
10-15 percent increase in Umrah performers this year
01 March 2012
MAKKAH – There has been a 10 to 15 percent increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims this year compared to the same period last year, according to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s national committee on Haj.
Saad Al-Qurashi, acting chairman of the committee, said the increase coincided with the start of the new Umrah program.
The number of Umrah pilgrims will exceed the one million mark during this period, Al-Qurashi was quoted as saying in sections of the Arabic press. The majority of Umrah pilgrims are from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt, he pointed out.
Hotel occupancy rates are high in Makkah especially in the areas close to the Grand Mosque, he added.
Al-Qurashi said the government should consider allowing 35 Umrah companies, suspended over the last four years, to operate again because of the rising numbers of pilgrims. He said there are only about 50 Umrah companies operating currently.
Meanwhile, an Umrah expert said new procedures will be applied this season to prevent overcrowding at King Abdul Aziz International Airport during peak hours. “Umrah companies will not be allowed to take Umrah pilgrims to the airport unless their reservations have been confirmed and the airplanes to fly them home have arrived at the airport.”
Al-Qurashi said there is coordination between the committee, Saudi Arabian Airlines, General Authority of Civil Aviation and international airline companies to prevent overcrowding at the airport. Al-Qurashi said overcrowding occurs because flights do not take off on time or have not arrived at the airport.
A study conducted by Makkah Urban Observatory found that there have been over three million Umrah pilgrims every year since 2005. In 2008, there were 3.2 million Umrah performers, while in 1999 there were 1.6 million, according to the study.
Al-Qurashi said measures introduced by the Ministry of Haj, Passports Department, Umrah companies and the national committee of Haj and Umrah have reduced the percentage of Umrah overstayers, according to the chamber’s report.
The report indicated that the Umrah sector creates 1,500 seasonal jobs for Saudis in the cities of Makkah, Madina and Jeddah.
In 2010, Bodet compagny has achieved one of its greatest orders in realizing the time distribution system of the Holy Haram of Makkah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). The company won the contract to 1.5 million euros with the Grand Mosque in Mecca to realise 40 clocks.
On July 23rd 2010, 40 gold platted clocks have been shipped from the factory based in Trementines (France).
The analogue clocks are equipped with a LED display to indicate the time and name of the next prayers in English and Arabic languages .
The time base and the NTP server are synchronized by GPS in order to adjust the prayer time with the sunrise according to Islam.
Under the hands of the dial, a digital banner announces the name and exact time of the five prayers of the day. According to the Quran, they depend on the sunrise. "The clocks are connected to a 'server prayers'. Designed by Kerjean Armel who is proud to present. "To calculate the time of each prayer the clocks receives the signal from satellite sensors. Then it sends the information on clocks. "
Two thin layers of copper and brass cover the plates in brass of the case. They are then dipped in an electrolytic bath. The precious yellow metal of 24 karat come and then be deposited. There are only 0.5 micron thick gold.
The price of each clock is 20 000 to 40 000 € depending on the model.
Since 1868, Bodet compagny installs and repairs their clocks. But for the Grand Mosque, where only Muslims can enter, they had to train Saudis.
Artist’s impression of the horizontal and vertical expansion of the mataf of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, which will accommodate 130,000 pilgrims at a time.
The project, which is expected to be completed in three years, will increase the current capacity of the mataf by 75 percent and extend the present circumambulation area by 20 meters into the Ottoman portico at all levels. The first floor will have special arrangements for the elderly and the disabled to perform tawaf.
There will be designated prayer space for 2,000 women between the mataf and mas’a from where they can see the Ka’ba without any hindrance.
MAKKAH – As the new season of Umrah gets underway, there has been a growing stream of pilgrims using electric wheelchairs at the Grand Mosque.
However, the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has taken precautionary measures to ensure pilgrim safety is not jeopardized by the use of electric wheelchairs.
The wheelchairs can only be used for Tawaf and Sa’ee purposes and children are not allowed to ride on the sides of the wheelchair.
Pilgrims must present their ID at the second floor near Al-Safa before they can rent an electric wheelchair. They are required to pay between SR50-SR100 to use the wheelchair for Sa’ee and Tawaf through allotted lanes in the first floor, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported Thursday.
Pilgrims say that because of the introduction of electric wheelchairs, the ritual of Sa’ee has become more comfortable.
Saeed Al-Jifal, an Emirati, said: “It’s easy to drive the wheelchair and it’s good for old and obese people.''
Arshad Ali from Turkey believes the price for the wheelchair is very reasonable.
“I’ve performed Umrah every year for the past 11 years. This is a great service. I was worried about how my old mother would perform Tawaf and Sa’ee. When I saw the electric wheelchair, I was at ease, and so was my mother,” Ali said.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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