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#3106 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 22:40

New Madinah Airport

Madinah to have Mideast's first

eco-friendly airport

The airport will have 16 air bridges for passengers to board the aircraft.

2 October 2013

A metro station and a public bus station will be established at the newly constructed Prince Muhammad International Airport (PMIA) in Madinah, Mamdouh Tarabishi, CEO of the airport, has said.

The SR4.5 billion expansion project will be completed by 2015.

He said the metro and rapid bus transport system would facilitate the transport of pilgrims from the airport to the Prophet’s Mosque.

“The two transport systems will also be linked with the Haramain Railway that connects Makkah and Madinah,” he added.

Tarabishi described PMIA as the first environment-friendly airport in the Middle East. “It will be designed in the form of palm trees, one of the special features of Madinah,” he said, and added that he expected more flights to be operated to and from Madinah following the project’s completion.

“The airport’s tarmac is designed to receive modern aircraft,” the CEO said, adding that the airport would receive flights of 45 airlines during this Haj season. The airport will have 16 air bridges for passengers to board the aircraft. He said an airport fee of SR80 would be imposed on passengers using the airport. “The old airport will be used for support services following the completion of the new airport.”

In a related development, Najran Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah said the new Najran Airport was ready to receive international flights. Aviation authorities have already licensed an airline to operate international flights from the airport. The airport has parking bays for six aircraft and three air bridges.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466475

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#3107 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 23:06

Haj terminals in Makkah, Madinah soon

2 October 2013

MAKKAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has approved the establishment of an integrated Haj terminal in Madinah where pilgrims will be received, accommodated and regrouped, Haj Minister Dr. Bandar Al-Hajjar announced.

"The terminal will house all government departments concerned with Haj services. The Ministry of Finance is already executing this terminal through the Social Security Fund," he said.

The minister was talking to a number of intellectuals, journalists and mutawwifeen at a special function held on Monday evening at the Makkah Literary Club. "Another integrated Haj terminal will also be established in Makkah," he said.

Hajjar said that the blueprint of the Makkah terminal has already been prepared. "When these two terminals become functional, Haj will be easier and not an ordeal," he said.

The minister highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in providing exquisite services to pilgrims and said as a result of these efforts the number of pilgrims has doubled.

Several fake Haj campaigns uncovered

He revealed that the ministry has uncovered a number of fake Haj campaigns and warned citizens and expatriates against falling victim to these unlicensed companies. "You should visit the ministry's website and choose your Haj campaign. If a Haj company is not registered on the ministry's site, it is fake," he said.

Hajjar praised the success of the previous Umrah season and said there were no pilgrims squatting on the ground or under the bridges. "The number of overstayers after Umrah has gone down from 50,000 to 9,000," he said.

He said there are 205 Haj service-providing companies for domestic pilgrims and added that the ministry was making efforts to reduce their fares.

The minister declined to comment on the recent court rulings against the ministry. "The ministry prefers not to talk about issues which are being looked at by the judiciary," he said.

More space in Mina

Hajjar said a number of government department buildings were shifted from Mina to a special complex built outside Makkah near the passport checkpoint along the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway.

"This will provide additional space in Mina to accommodate about 250,000 pilgrims.”

Website on Haj rituals

He said the ministry would soon launch a program on its website to instruct pilgrims about Haj rituals through an electronic game in various languages.”

Meanwhile, undersecretary of the ministry Dr. Sahl Al-Sabban said the ministry is considering using fire-resistance tents in Arafat, similar to those in Madinah, from next year.

Medical facilities at JIP

Around 425 pilgrims have utilized the medical facilities at Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP).

The head of the medical monitoring center at JIP, Dr. Adel Turkustani, said that the health condition of all arriving pilgrims is good, and no epidemic diseases have been recorded.

He said that since pilgrims started arriving, 273 ships arriving from various corners of the world have been inspected.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131002182325

Makkah hotels suffering huge financial losses

2 October 2013

JEDDAH — Haj missions have asked hotels in Makkah to either give them discounts of not less than 20 percent or to terminate the rent contracts signed earlier this year.

The missions, according to a report published by a local daily on Tuesday, threatened the hotels that they would resort to other options if their demands were not met.

Quoting industry sources, business daily Al-Eqtisadiah said the hotels have not only lost profits but gone into debt. The sources expected the issue to be settled by reconciliatory committees or the courts at the end of the Haj season.

Sources said about 90 percent of the hotels in Makkah are rented buildings. They added that many of these hotels were not able to pay the rents to the landlords.

Walid Abu Sabah, former chairman of the tourism and hotels committee in the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the financial losses have resulted from a cut of 20 percent in the quota of foreign pilgrims this year.

“A large number of new buildings have entered the market thus increasing supply over demand,” he said. “We have no ready-made solutions that will enable us avoid these huge losses.”

Abu Sabah said Makkah has a total of 650 hotels consisting of 125,000 rooms. “All these hotels are now fighting to avoid the debt crisis, especially as they are unable to pay the rents to the landlords.

He said a large number of these rooms remained vacant due to a lack of customers. “The domestic pilgrims are not among our targets,” he said.

Abu Sabah noted that the drop in hotel occupancy rate has reached more than 40 percent in certain areas and the drop also extended to hotels in the areas most favored by pilgrims. “The hoteliers offered cheap rates compared to rates of previous years only to keep their hotels busy,” he said.

He said in the past few years rents in the central area around the Grand Mosque ranged from SR50,000 to SR60,000 for the entire month of Haj. “Now these rents have come down to SR25,000-SR30,000 for the same period,” he said.

Abu Sabah said in the districts of Al-Aziziyah and Shesha, rent rates went down from SR17,000 and SR19,000 to SR7,000 to SR8,000.

Khalil Bahadir, member of the National Committee for Tourism and Hotels in the Saudi Council of Chambers, said investors asked landlords to give them time until the end of the season to pay the long overdue rents. “A number of landlords have refused to agree to this request. It is obvious that the matter will reach the courts after the Haj season,” the official said.

Bahadir asked the government to find a solution to this problem and also asked landlords to bear some of the losses investors were suffering.

“The hotels are now facing a real dilemma. They have to either lower the rent prices for the Haj missions and Haj service-providing companies, or revoke the rent contracts signed with them earlier this year,” he said.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131002182328

Man arrested over fake Haj campaign

2 Oct 2013

Police in Hail arrested a 27-year-old Saudi for promoting a fake Haj campaign where individuals are lured into paying a sum of money for “luxury” services, including lodging and food at the holy sites.

The police found in his possession receipts totaling SR67,000. The campaign advertised luxury housing and camps and open buffets in Mina and Arafat for SR3,000 per person, according to the Criminal Investigation Department. The man’s statement to the police revealed that he operated from a real estate agency office that he had rented out on a temporary basis for two months.

Hail Police director, Maj. Gen. Yahya Bin Saaed Al-Bladi, called on pilgrims wanting to perform Haj to ensure that a campaign promoted by the media or by individuals has permits from authorities to avoid falling prey to fraud or corruption. Al-Bladi also called on people to report fake campaigns. The man was referred to authorities pending investigation.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466464

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#3108 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 23:07

MoH draws up contingency plan

for pilgrimage site

The ministry has deployed 80 fully-equipped ambulances and 55 mini ambulances
to wade through crowds to treat and transport sick pilgrims.

2 Oct 2013

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has drawn up a coordinated contingency plan to counter emergency situations that might arise during this year’s Haj season.

According to an official from the MoH, the team will be composed of more than 100 doctors and around 250 paramedics will work in various places in the holy cities to help pilgrims receive immediate emergency medical treatment. The plan is also geared to attend to natural calamities such as floods, earth slips and crowd congestion.

The ministry has deployed 80 fully-equipped ambulances and 55 mini ambulances to wade through crowds to treat and transport sick pilgrims. The mini ambulances, which are also fully equipped, are meant for transportation to the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, he said, adding that there are some 25 ambulances and 10 more mini-mobile medical vehicles stationed in Makkah to serve the pilgrims in that part of the holy city.

He pointed out that the medical personnel in the team were chosen from among experienced cadres from various disciplines in all parts of the Kingdom. They are also trained in emergency work to cope, renal and hypertension, dehydrated and accidents among patients.

The GPS-enabled mini-ambulances are fully equipped with state-of-the art medical apparatus to handle emergency and ICU patients. In addition, the ministry has detailed a total of 13 ambulances at a strategic point in Makkah to move patients in emergency situations.

Last year, the ministry distributed some 42 ambulances to all parts of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The ministry has also deployed a fleet of motorcycles to reach patients in places where regular vehicles cannot find their way due to congestion.

In 2011, a total of 2,500 patients were ferried to various clinics and hospitals with the help of these mobile vehicles, and the medical team treated more than 15,000 pilgrims in need of emergency treatment.

Around 24 medical teams supervised by eight doctors worked around the clock to serve patients in Makkah. In addition, 17 health clinics and 12 medical teams have been stationed to supervise the movement of pilgrims in the stoning area.

This year, the ministry is focusing on food poisoning. Pilgrims have been asked not to keep their cooked food for more than two hours to avoid food poisoning. They have also been requested to wash fruits and green leaves before consumption. Meat and vegetables should not be washed together during cooking preparations.

Personal hygiene and hygienic cooking, storing, transporting and serving methods are important to avoid diarrhea and vomiting, food poisoning, dysentery, typhoid and cholera. Hands should be washed before eating. Disposable shaving kits should be used.

Wearing masks made of cloth during the performance of various Haj rituals will help prevent respiratory infections such as colds, coughs, sore throats and pneumonia. Covering the face with a towel while sleeping in congested rooms is also advised to avoid respiratory infections.

Diagnosed cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, migraine, epilepsy, skin diseases, psychiatric illnesses, and gastric ulcer should be properly controlled with appropriate treatment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Saleh Al-Mazrou, undersecretary to logistics and engineering affairs, said that health officials have been given special training to handle emergency situations such as fires, floods and evacuation. The MoH has special cars, which will be employed to handle firefighting incidents.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466468

25 hospitals ready to serve pilgrims

RIYADH — The Ministry of Health Affairs has prepared 25 hospitals to offer medical services to pilgrims this year, Al-Madinah newspaper reported. Deputy Health Minister for Planning and Development and head of Haj preparation committee, Dr. Mohammad Khushaim said their location was as follows: Seven hospitals in Makkah, nine in Madinah, four in Mina, four in Arafat, in addition to King Abdullah Medical City.

He said that the hospitals' capacity is 5,250 beds, of which 4,200 are for specialized departments, 500 beds for intensive care, and 550 for emergency cases. These hospitals are in addition to 141 permanent and seasonal medical centers covering Haj areas. There 43 medical centers in Makkah, 80 centers in Masha'er, 12 centers in Madinah, and 17 centers for emergencies at Jamarat Bridge.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131002182332

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#3109 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 23:08

Imported sheep to keep price stable

during Haj

Livestock from Somalia and Sudan arrives at Jeddah Islamic Port to meet demand during Haj.

2 Oct 2013

More than 2 million livestock will be imported through Oct. 14 to keep prices stable, said Suleiman Al-Jabri, chairman of the Livestock Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), on Monday.

The prices of Barbar sheep will remain at between SR450 and SR500, while Sawakni sheep will range between SR600 and SR900 depending on size and weight

He explained that the Jeddah Islamic Port began receiving livestock in early September from Somalia and Sudan to meet demand during Haj.
He said that 600,000 heads of livestock reached the JIP to date.

“We are expecting the arrival of 150,000 Barbar sheep and 20,000 Sawakni sheep in the next two days. The arrival of livestock will continue until we have received the quantity according to plan,” he said.

Al-Jabri assured that markets would experience price stability during the pilgrimage season with the arrival of such large amounts of imported livestock to fulfill the needs of consumers.

He also said that the Barbar and Sawakni types of sheep are currently available in the market in accordance with demand. The price of other kinds of sheep, like Hariri and Naimi, are high due to lack of supply.

He praised the generous support of the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in monitoring activities in the Ministry of Agriculture, which encourages traders and importers to provide livestock according to market needs.

“The ministry facilitated import procedures, opened new areas for import and provided all kinds of support. Livestock prices have risen significantly due to higher prices in exporting countries. Our local market depends on imports to cover 75 percent of local demand,” Al-Jabri explained.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466470

600 old buses off pilgrim services

2 Oct 2013

JEDDAH — The head of the General Syndicate of Cars (GSC), Maj. Gen. Ahmad Sembawah, said more than 600 buses would be removed from pilgrim services. He said that this comes in line with instructions from Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. The Secretary General of GSC, Marwan Zabidee, said that bus drivers have been banned from performing Haj to focus on their duties as drivers, and that violators will be penalized. He pointed out that educational and training courses were held recently for 5,000 bus drivers.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131002182333

Iranian minister hails pilgrim services

2 Oct 2013

MAKKAH — The Iranian Haj Minister has hailed the great facilities and services provided by the Saudi government to pilgrims.

Saeed Awhadi toured the holy sites accompanied by the head of the Iranian Haj Affairs Office.

Awhadi was briefed by the head of Iranian pilgrims establishment, Tala Qutub, on the facilities and services offered to pilgrims.

He said that these services included accommodation and suitable camps and that all government bodies were on full alert to provide services. Awhadi said Iranian pilgrims and officials have praised these facilities and services.

Around 61,000 Iranian pilgrims are expected in the Kingdom for Haj this year.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131002182329

Temporary fence to stop illegal pilgrims

2 Oct 2013

TAIF — Taif road department has begun construction of a temporary fence at the Baheetah entry point to stop illegal pilgrims from entering Makkah. The director of the roads department, Omar Al-Husaini, said that the fence will be constructed at different sites and will be around 300 meters in length. The fence will be constructed at the passport entry points at Baheetah and Meeqat, at the recommendation of security organizations. He pointed out that during past Haj seasons, many illegal pilgrims entered Makkah through unprotected parts of Al-Sail road. He said security forces have monitored many vehicles trapped in the sand, and other vehicles unloading the pilgrims.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131002182334

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#3110 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 23:09

Mataf expansion progress

1 Oct 2013

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#3111 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 23:12

Hajj Campaign

Pilgrims National Awareness Campaign

www.hajjcampaign.com

___________

Correct Hajj Begins with the Permit

Why Hajj Awareness Campaign

Makkah is a very sacred place due to the presence of the holy mosque and Kaaba, and hence, preserving the sacredness of the Makkah region becomes the priority of the Hajj campaign. The campaign has a unified target and it is being adopted by a large number of skilled, experienced and dedicated individuals who are highly motivated and driven to achieve the best out of this campaign by both their love for their religion .

Hajj Awareness Campaign objective, is to build the graphical identity for Hajj as a brand for an effective communication tools to the public.

Upgrading services to the pilgrims is the responsibility of everyone and not limited to the government, the hajj campaign is to educate the public to respect the rules and invite them to join hands and support government to advance the hajj year after year to ensure the pilgrims perform their Hajj in the best possible manner.

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#3112 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd October 2013 23:33

1st level of Temporary Mataf

won’t open this Haj

________________

1st level of mataf bridge won’t open in Haj

3 October 2013

MAKKAH – Opening of the first level of the temporary circular bridge over the mataf (area for circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba) has been postponed until after Haj. It was announced earlier that the first level will be opened for the disabled and elderly pilgrims before the Haj. The delay is due to the unfinished work on emergency exits.

Maj. Gen. Jameel Arbaeen, Director of Civil Defense in Makkah region, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette on Wednesday that the five-member scientific committee under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Haj Research recommended that the opening of the first level should be postponed to ensure safety of pilgrims as there is no time left before Haj to complete the construction of emergency exits.

The committee comprises experts and officials from Makkah Governorate, Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Civil Defense Department, Haram Security Command, and Umm Al-Qura University.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency, opened the top level of the bridge that connects the first floor of the mosque on July 25. The 12-meter-wide and 13-meter-high bridge can accommodate 1,700 wheelchairs in an hour.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182439

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#3113 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd October 2013 15:25

Temporary mataf area provides ease, comfort

Temporary mataf area in the Grand Mosque has alleviated crowds of worshipers
and increased the capacity for those wishing to perform tawaf. — Archives

October 03, 2013

MAKKAH — The temporary mataf bridge that was installed during Ramadan has alleviated crowds of worshipers and increased the capacity for those wishing to perform tawaf (circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba), Grand Mosque authorities said.

Despite ongoing construction work in the Grand Mosque, worshipers, visitors, and pilgrims are performing their rituals in complete contentment, they said.

The contracting company is continuing its work to complete the mataf expansion project on time.

The mataf area will increase tawaf capacity to 35,000 worshipers an hour. In addition, a temporary mataf bridge for the handicapped has been constructed, at a height of 13 meters and 12 meters wide.

This mataf consists of two levels, one of which is linked to the first level of the Grand Mosque, with two entrances and an emergency exit. The other level will be linked to the ground level of the Grand Mosque after the Haj season.

The main temporary mataf bridge, which is constructed next to the Holy Ka’aba, allows worshipers to finish their tawaf in 25 minutes.

It is linked to the Grand Mosque's King Abdulaziz and Al-Umrah gates. The bridge can be removed and reconstructed as needed and is 94 meters in diameter.

Sources said state-of-the-art technology was used in the construction of the bridge’s carbon fiber, which is light and heavy duty. It can easily be removed and reconstructed.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182393

3 October 2013

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#3114 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd October 2013 15:28

Proud to serve Allah’s guests

3 October 2013

MAKKAH – Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, called on the people of Makkah to take pride in serving the Guests of Allah.

Inaugurating the campaign of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques for this year’s Haj here on Wednesday, the Emir emphasized that the leaders of Saudi Arabia are preoccupied with the development of Makkah, making available all facilities and services for pilgrims.

“The government and the people of Saudi Arabia see serving pilgrims as a great honor as well as a big trust put on them, and hence it was included as a top priority in the Kingdom’s development and strategic plans,” he said.

Prince Khaled, who is also the Chairman of the Central Haj Committee, said that he has proposed to the minister of higher education to establish a university, called the “University of Haj and Umrah,” in Makkah to carry out extensive studies and researches with regard to Haj and Umrah.

The Emir also watched a video on the Campaign titled “The Pilgrims’ service is a Legion of Honor to us.” He honored government departments and agencies, which are taking part in the Haj operation, including the Ministry of Haj, Makkah Mayoralty, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Police, Haram Security Force and Makkah Traffic.

Prince Khaled also launched other activities of the Presidency for this year’s Haj. The activities included an exhibition, workshop, meetings and lectures with the theme, “Haj: A worship and a civilized behavior.” He toured the pavilions of the exhibition that showcased various types of facilities and services being offered by the Presidency and its departments to the pilgrims.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency and imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque; Sheikh Muhammad Al-Khozaim, deputy head of the Presidency, several other officials, scholars and citizens attended the function.

Meanwhile, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Prince Mansour Bin Miteb will make on Saturday an inspection tour of the holy sites and review the final preparations for the Haj. He will also open a number of development projects implemented at the holy sites.

As of Tuesday, a total of 854,402 pilgrims have arrived for performing Haj. Of these, 814,350 came by air, 29,400 by land and 10,652 by sea, according to Lt. Gen. Salem Al-Bulaihed, Director General of the Passports.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182437

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#3115 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd October 2013 16:05

Haj News
Saudi Press Agency

______________________

Al-Sudais inspects VIP lounge at KAIA

Jeddah, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA --

Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, General President of the Holy Mosque and Prophet's mosque affairs and his deputy for the holy mosques affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Khozaim, today made an inspection visit to get assured of the situations at the presidential service chamber of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
During the tour, he was briefed on the facilities provided for pilgrims at the airport.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153425

Islamic Affairs Ministry Distributes More Than 37 Million Books on Hajj

Riyadh, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance has prepared more than 37 million copies of the books and compact discs on Hajj rituals for pilgrims during this year's Hajj season.
The Ministry's Undersecretary for Publications and Scientific Research Dr. Musaed bin Ibrahim Al-Hudaithi said that the Ministry has completed its preparations for Hajj season for the distribution of religious books.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153167

Saudi Embassy in Australia Issues 3,500 Visas for Australian Pilgrims

Canberra, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA

Saudi Ambassador to Australia Nabil bin Mohammed Al Saleh said that the Department of Consular Affairs at the embassy has issued nearly 3,500 visas for Australian pilgrims this year.
The Ambassador said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the services provided by the embassy came in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud aiming to provide the best services and facilities to pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals easily and comfortably.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153057

Kingdom's Grand Mufti To Assume Work in Makkah on Sunday

Riyadh, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA

The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of Council of Senior Scholars and General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh and Members of Ifta Standing Committee will assume their works in Makkah on Sunday to participate in this year's Hajj season.
This was stated by the Presidency's Spokesman Sulaiman Mohammed Abu Abah.

Their telephone numbers are as follows:

1 - Grand Mufti Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh - Makkah 0125564157 - Mina 0125583042.
2 - Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan - Makkah 0125581428 - Mina 0125584663.
3 - Sheikh Ahmed Sir Al-Mubarki - Makkah 0125543252 - Mina 0125503211.
4 - Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq - Makkah 0125543171 - Mina 0125505602.
5 - Sheikh Abdullah bin Khnein - Makkah 0125563626 - Mina 0125571933.
6 - Sheikh Abdulkarim AlKhudir - Makkah 0125563894 - Mina 0125505822.
7 - Sheikh Mohammed bin Hassan Al Al-Sheikh - Makkah 0125564059.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153115

Madinah Guides Foundation Receives and Bids Farewell to 250,000 Pilgrims

Madinah, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA

Madinah Guides National Foundation has succeeded in receiving and bidding farewell to pilgrims in Madinah during the past three days.
The Foundation's Executive Director Mohammed bin Abdullah Basrawi pointed out that the Foundation has received more than 101,000 and bid farewell to 126,632 pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Holy Mosque.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153189

Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia So Far 854,000

Jeddah, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA

The number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj rituals reached 854,402 pilgrims until yesterday.
In a statement to SPA, Director General of Passports Department Lieutenant General Salim bin Mohammed Al-Bulaihed said "The number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through airports reached 814,350 pilgrims; through land ports 29,400; and through sea ports 10,652."

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153221

First Batch of Jordanian Pilgrims Heads to Holy Sites

Amman, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA

The first batch of Jordanian pilgrims left Amman today heading to the holy sites for performing their Hajj rituals.
Upon their departure, the Jordanian pilgrims were seen off by Jordanian Minister of Endowments Hail Abdulhafez, Saudi Chargeâ€™ affairs to Jordan Dr. Hamad Al-Hajeri and a number of officials.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153382

Civil Defense completes preparedness for Hajj season

Makkah, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA --

Civil Defense authority taking part in implementing the general plan to face emergencies in Hajj this year announced today its complete preparedness for facing all kinds of dangers and risks in the holy capital of Makkah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah and the sacred places through speed intervention and decisive actions.
In a press conference, the civil defense spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Orabi Al-Harthi lauded the efforts exerted by other government authorities to help the civil defense do its job in Hajj.
He briefed the media on the steps taken by the civil defense to tackle any problem related to civil defense.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153402

SR267 m. allocated for rehabilitation of mosques at Hajj zone border sites

Riyadh, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA --

As part of its interest in rehabilitating mosques in all parts of Hajj zone, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance has paid special attention to the rehabilitation of masques, their utilities and support prayer places at Hajj zone border sites, allocating SR267 million for the projects to repair and maintain the mosques in the so-called Mawaqeet (singular Miqat), meaning place of entry to Hajj zone.
Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Shiekh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, who is also Chairman of the Higher Committee for his ministry's works in Hajj, said the move takes place under constant care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153412

Palestinian pilgrims coming from Gaza Strip were smoothly streamlined from Cairo airport to Hajj places in Saudi Arabia, officials say

Cairo, Dhu-AlQa'dah 26, 1434, Oct 2, 2013, SPA --

Ambassador of Palestine to Egypt Barakat Al-Farra, who is also his country's permanent representative to the Arab League, declared that Palestinian pilgrims coming from Gaza Strip were smoothly lifted from Cairo airport to Hajj places in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, he said the human transfer process was done in the morning from Rafah cross point in cooperation with the Egyptian side and a representative of the Palestinian embassy in Rafah.
Al-Farra also lauded the cooperation of the Saudi government, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud through providing all kinds of facilities to Palestinian pilgrims.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153424

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#3116 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd October 2013 17:01

Mataf expansion progress

3 October 2013

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#3117 [Permalink] Posted on 4th October 2013 19:22

Expo showcases 1908 Haj trip from Egypt

Women admire photographs at the Dar Al-Hekma College exhibition in Jeddah, recently.

3 October 2013

JEDDAH — Not long ago, the adventure of riding ships from Egypt was a normal way to reach the other side of the Red Sea coast to perform Haj. Dar Al-Hekma College recently organized an exhibition showcasing pictures of the Haj trip from Egypt in 1908.

A total of 53 pictures were on display with captions to portray the different stages that pilgrims had to go through during their trip.

The photographs show the pilgrims on ships, arriving in Makkah and moving on camels from one holy site to another. They also illustrated a number of officials who were in charge of the Hijaz region prior to the unification of the Kingdom.

The photographs document the 1908 (1325 Hijra) pilgrimage that started in Egypt and culminated in Makkah and Madinah. Haj photographs are very rare.

Furthermore, these were taken before the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified and show the holy places before they underwent massive expansions. The photographs were found in the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (IDEO) archives in Paris, France.

The collection is the original work of Muhammad Al-Hussayni, a photographer who worked for the British Consulate in Jeddah.

Aside from the 53 photographs documenting the 1908 Haj trip, another 50 paintings were displayed at the exhibition to shed light on the Holy Ka’aba through the ages.

Two lectures were presented during the exhibition; one was themed “Haj and the Universal Order” and the second “Prophetic Monuments in Hijaz and Makkah.”

Dar Al-Hekma organized the exhibition in cooperation with Al-Turath Foundation and the French Consulate General in Jeddah.

Osamah Al-Gohary, director of Al-Turath Foundation, said: “As part of our efforts to preserve the heritage in all forms, we supported the Pilgrimage to Makkah 1908 Exhibition with the cooperation of the French Consulate.

“The 53 pictures we provided for the exhibition are a rare documentation of Haj and serve as an opportunity for researchers to further study the subject.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, president of Dar Al-Hekma College, said: “It is such a pleasure to be part of this experience and to be able to facilitate the opportunity for women in my country to enjoy these heartwarming photographs.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182395

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#3118 [Permalink] Posted on 4th October 2013 19:23

Pilgrims’ progress

3 Oct 2013

Palestinian pilgrims greet each other upon their arrival at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as they head to the annual Haj pilgrimage to the Kingdom on Wednesday. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah will host 1,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to perform Haj this year.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182444

124,000 Africans to use shuttle transport plan

3 Oct 2013

MAKKAH — Undersecretary of the Ministry of Haj for Transport and Projects at the Holy Sites Sahl Abdullah Al-Sabban discussed with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tawafa Establishment for non-Arab African Countries Abdulwahid Burhan Saif Al-Deen the shuttle transport operation plan for the establishment’s pilgrims at the holy sites this year.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the establishment in the presence of the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the establishment Sulaiman Qattan, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Shuttle Transport Abdulrahman Mariyah, Chairman of the Holy Sites Committee Fahd Hariri, advisers of the Ministry of Haj for shuttle transport and heads of the field service groups at the establishment.

The meeting dealt with all aspects of the shuttle transport plan for the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims of non-Arab African Countries including aspects introduced in the executive plan prepared for this year’s Haj.

Al-Sabban said nearly 124,000 pilgrims will benefit during this year’s Haj from the shuttle transport plan that is being carried out by the Tawafa Establishment for non-Arab African Countries under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Haj.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182401

Over 6,000 employees to serve South Asian pilgrims

3 Oct 2013

MAKKAH — The Tawafa Establishment for South Asian Pilgrims has employed more than 6,000 staff consisting of mutawwifs (Haj guides), administrators, technicians and workers to serve more than 400,000 pilgrims coming from the region in addition to Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Spokesman for the establishment Omar Bin Siraj Akbar said: “These employees will implement the establishment's Haj operational plan for this season.

“The employees will be deployed at various entry points, reception centers as well as in Makkah and the holy sites to extend services to the pilgrims. “We plan to provide the guests of God with comprehensive, ideal and impeccable services.”

He said the operational plan was based on scientific and field studies, taking into account the feedback from previous years.

“The plan focuses on deploying all material and human resources as well as modern technologies to provide pilgrims with consummate services that will enable them to perform their Haj rites in ease and comfort.

“We will be serving the pilgrims from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure.”

The spokesman said for the first time this year the establishment has set up a support committee to extend assistance to the field teams in case of emergencies.

“We have also formed small female committees to spread awareness among women pilgrims, visit them at their accommodation and cater to their needs and requirements,” he said.

Akbar said the establishment has completed all its arrangements for Haj well in advance.

“We have held a series of meetings with the Haj missions and service-providing companies to further promote our partnership with them for the welfare of pilgrims,” he said.

The spokesman said the establishment's employees in various sectors have been thoroughly trained and qualified to serve pilgrims to the best of their abilities.

He also said the establishment has published its operation plan, Haj guides and other related material on its website.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182396

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#3119 [Permalink] Posted on 4th October 2013 19:25

Holy Mosque - Masjid al Haram

3 Oct 2013

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#3120 [Permalink] Posted on 4th October 2013 19:25

Temporary Mataf

2nd Floor - Upper level ... Open for Haj
1st Floor - Lower level ... Open after Haj

____________________

Incompleteness emergency exits postpone
the opening of the first floor of the Temporary Mataf

عدم اكتمال مخارج الطوارئ يؤجل افتتاح الدور الأول من المطاف المعلق

3 October 2013

قررت لجنة خماسية تحت إشراف الجهة العلمية المنبثقة من معهد خادم الحرمين الشريفين في وزارة التعليم العالي، تأجيل افتتاح الدور الأول من المطاف المعلق إلى ما بعد موسم الحج، وقال لـ «عكاظ» اللواء جميل بن محمد أربعين مدير الدفاع المدني بمنطقة مكة المكرمة «رأت اللجنة العلمية في معهد خادم الحرمين الشريفين في وزارة التعليم العالي وبعضوية عدد من الجهات ذات العلاقة بالمطاف المعلق تأجيل افتتاح العمل بالدور الأول من المطاف المعلق»، وأرجع أسباب التأجيل لعدم اكتمال تنفيذ وفتح مخارج الطوارئ اللازمة لافتتاح الدور الأول من المطاف المعلق، مؤكداً أن هذا التدبير يأتي ضمن تدابير الجهات الحكومية ومن ضمنها الدفاع المدني من أجل سلامة الحجاج.

وكان من المقرر الانتهاء من الدور الأول من المطاف المعلق قبل موسم الحج، حتى تتم الاستفادة منه في حج هذا العام، وتعمل الشركة المنفذة للمطاف على زيادة دعم قواعده وجسوره، وذلك من خلال تمديد كيابل وجسور من نوع خاص لزيادة التأكد من تثبيت المطاف وزيادة تحمله للأعداد المتوقعة لمستخدميه.

يُذكر أن اللجنة الخماسية تضم في عضويتها إمارة منطقة مكة المكرمة ، الرئاسة العامه لشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي، الادارة العامه للدفاع المدني، قيادة أمن المسجد الحرام، وجامعه أم القرى.

http://www.okaz.com.sa/new/Issues/20...1003643841.htm

Google translation: 3 October 2013

Committee of five decided under the supervision of the scientific emanating from the Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Ministry of Higher Education , to postpone the opening of the first floor of the Temprary Mataf until after the pilgrimage season, and told « Okaz » General Jamil bin Mohammed forty Director of Civil Defense in Makkah « Committee considered scientific Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Ministry of Higher Education and membership of a number of relevant authorities Palmtaf commentator postpone the opening of business on the first floor of the Temporary Mataf » , attributed the reasons for the postponement for non-completion of the implementation and the opening of emergency exits for the opening of the first floor of the Temporary Mataf, stressing that this measure comes measures within government agencies , including the civil defense for the safety of pilgrims.

It was scheduled for completion in the first round of the ultimate suspense before the pilgrimage season, even made use of it in the pilgrimage this year , the company operates implementing the Mataf to increase support bases and bridges , and through the extension of cabling and bridges of a particular type to increase sure to install up and increase afford to numbers expected to its users.

It is noteworthy that the Committee of five includes in its membership the Emirate of Makkah region, the General Presidency for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque , the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the leadership of the security of the Sacred Mosque , and Umm al-Qura University.

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