Makkah News and Updates

3 October 2013

MAKKAH — The Society of Makkah Neighborhoods recently held a meeting to implement a culture of hospitality toward pilgrims.

'Hajis hospitality' has been a longtime tradition since pre-Islamic era, although it has undergone some changes in line with modern times.

Makkawi families used to host pilgrims in their homes and provide them with food and all other necessities free of charge. Nowadays, pilgrims are housed in special accommodation and use special transport means.

The Society of Makkah Neighborhoods is activating the old traditions again, and has discussed ways to spread this culture amongst society to become more connected with pilgrims and to extend the feeling of contentment among them.

The society covers 20 neighborhood centers around Makkah, and conducts visits to pilgrims at their accommodations.

It organizes festivities and assists in offering whatever services pilgrims may require.

Dr. Tala Abu Al-Noor, involved in the holy city project, said serving the pilgrims is one of the most honorable activities for a Muslim. The pilgrims are the guests of God, he said, and their service is a must, and that the current generation of Saudis should be taught to do so. Such services will leave a good impression on pilgrims and will reflect positively on the country's citizens, he said.

Najmuddeen Al-Andejani, a faculty member of Umm Al-Qura University, said Makkawi families used to host pilgrims from the time of their arrival until their departure.

He said: “We must provide proper hospitality to pilgrims so they feel that they are amongst their families.” He said all bodies should contribute to this concept, including the Ministry of Education.

Saeed Al-Mab'ooth, a supervisor at the Makkah Directorate of Education, said students were educated on the merits of such service and were taught on the best ways to provide it.

As part of the program, he said, several students received pilgrims at entry points to Makkah and presented gifts and other necessities to them.

Abdullah Al-Zahrani, a senior society official, said Hajis hospitality is a national project that should receive attention and the cooperation of all public and private agencies.

He said pilgrims come from different parts of the world and they should not be allowed to feel like strangers in the Kingdom.

Adel Al-Hassani, another society official, said this year 10 centers will host the families of 50 pilgrims and provide them with food and other necessities until the end of Haj.

He said treating the pilgrims well leaves a great impression on them, especially those from non-Arab countries.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131003182411
28 Sept 2013

In the article, it says that there is 100 000 drop for the number of pilgrims this year. But this is a too small drop. It must a MISTAKE because it is 1 000 000 (one million) drop!

MADINAH — Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar has said the reduction in pilgrim quota will remain in effect until the mataf expansion project is completed. There will be a 100,000 drop in the number of pilgrims performing Haj this year compared to last year, Al-Hayat newspaper reported quoting Hajjar.

He also said his ministry has developed an electronic system to monitor the transportation of pilgrims. “Two days ago, 160,000 pilgrims were transported from Madinah to Makkah aboard 400 buses. This electronic system will ensure that the pilgrims are not left behind at airports. No bus will be allowed to take pilgrims to the airport unless their flight is ready and waiting for them,” he explained.

Hajjar went on to say his ministry monitors companies that provide Haj packages to ensure they are in compliance with the ministry’s rules and regulations. He said domestic pilgrims visit the ministry to confirm their Haj service provider is licensed.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130928181844

3 October 2013

An official at the Valuation Committee for Development and Government Projects (VCDGP) in Makkah said authorities would notify the committee to begin re-evaluation of properties after Haj.

The decision came after property owners won cases against proprietors. The committee will also evaluate properties in Al-Sharashif Mountain, Dahlah and Al-Rushd.

“We will begin re-evaluating demolished properties for the benefit of various projects since owners of expropriated properties won cases filed with the Board of Grievances,” said Mansour Abu Riyash, chairman of the Land Committee in the Makkah Chamber for Commerce and Industry and a VCDGP member.

This re-evaluation comes at a time when large acquisitions from major investment portfolios have entered Makkah for the first time. Prices are expected to exceed 25 percent of the current market value during the next three months.

According to Abu Riyash, areas with large populations which are situated in locations suitable for investment are in high demand by investors.

These areas constitute seasonal residential locations or those nominated for expropriation for the benefit of new developmental projects, as they have experienced significant capital growth in the past.

Abu Riyash said the committee will re-evaluate properties following the reversal of a prior estimate made by the Board of Grievances. The market will see the launch of a huge development project on a similar scale to the project being implemented in the central area surrounding the Grand Mosque after the Haj season comes to an end.

He added that market prices are on an upward swing and expected to settle at 25 percent higher than the current prices three months after Haj. Areas nominated for expropriation will benefit the most from such increases.

Abu Riyash said that investors and land acquisition projects prefer Al-Azeziyah Province, Al-Mansour Street, Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street, Al-Taqwa Street, Thaat Al-Nitaqieen Street, the Bathaa’ Quriash Al-Maa’bdah neighborhood, Al-Jumeeza and Al-Nassem.

He said the last two months witnessed growth in acquisition operations and investors who entered Makkah for the first time.

The process aims at collecting the largest number of properties, either by tendering these lands as development projects or keeping them until expropriation is applied for the benefit of developing private projects.

He estimated the volume of capital entering Makkah to be in the billions, saying there is a serious movement toward realizing the wishes of investors who wish to enter the Makkah market, which is one of the most attractive markets for investment.

“Al-Aziziyah, in particular from Regent’s Bridge to Mahbas Aljin, is quoting the highest prices, at between SR75,000 and SR100,000 per square meter,” he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466558

3 Oct 2013

The Ministry of Health advised Haj pilgrims on Wednesday to wear face masks in the holy cities to protect themselves from the deadly MERS virus.

Dr. Nazreen Sherbini, a specialist in infectious diseases and influenza, said MERS is transmitted through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

“Pilgrims should wear protective masks that cover the noses and mouths in crowded places and follow basic health etiquette while sneezing or coughing,” Sherbini said.

She advised pilgrims to avoid people who cough and sneeze incessantly, have runny noses, and temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.

To prevent MERS spreading in the holy cities, she said the ministry has asked the elderly with chronic diseases to postpone their Haj.

She said only laboratory tests could confirm whether a person has the virus. She said pilgrims with seasonal flu would not require antibiotics. However, these pilgrims would have to increase their fluid intake, except those who suffer from renal, respiratory and cardiac pulmonary diseases.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466563

Madinah, Dhu-AlQa'dah 27, 1434, Oct 3, 2013, SPA

King Abdulaziz Library is located at the western part of the Prophet's Holy Mosque in Madinah. It is one of the largest libraries of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance. It combines the properties of the public library, manuscripts center and scientific research.

The library is described as an Islamic media scientific center. It is a source of pride of the Kingdom. It enjoys care and support by Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region.

The Director of the Library of King Abdulaziz in Madinah Marzouk Al Fayez Al-Rehaily told Saudi Press Agency that the library was founded at the beginning of the year 1393 AH in the courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque from the west when late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud laid its foundation stone and late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated it in 1403 H.

The library includes a large number of the manuscripts of the Holy Quran.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/english/print.php?id=1153580

4 Oct 2013

The Ministry of Haj and the Makkah governor’s office have issued a strict warning to locals and expatriates not to go on Haj without a permit.
The government has limited the number of pilgrims who can perform Haj this year due to the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

A text message has been sent out from the governor’s office to all mobile phones in the country, warning expatriates not to go on Haj without a permit. Expats caught without a permit will be deported and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

Many expatriates in the past performed Haj by sneaking into the holy sites.

The Ministry of Haj has put up banners and posters near traffic lights and streets warning residents that they must have a permit. The Ministry has also hired volunteers who hold up banners at traffic signals in Makkah.

The Ministry of Haj launched a website to create awareness about Haj and publicize their campaign about unlicensed Haj trips. Residents can call 8002444480 to report fraudulent campaigns.
Passport Department officers at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah detected 55 people with a criminal history of counterfeiting trying to enter the country. All of them had previously been deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom.

The forgers were detected due to the increased number of personnel at the Passport Department at the airport.

The airport lounge where the pilgrims are received have 142 counters, each equipped with a computer to record information of each pilgrim. The counters are equipped with cameras and fingerprint detection devices, state-of-the-art instruments to detect forgery, and disclose the identity of persons with criminal antecedents who are banned from entering the Kingdom. Every department member is equipped with a walkie-talkie for speedy communication between members.

The chief of Passport Department at the KAIA, Brig. Khalafallah Al-Tuwairqi, said that personnel in his department managed to detect 26 pilgrims with fake Haj permits. “We deported another 29 pilgrims who had criminal records and had been expelled from the country before. We put them back on the same plane they had entered the country with,” said Al-Tuwairqi.

He said preparations for this Haj season started immediately after the previous season ended, adding: “We make big efforts to support pilgrims with the help of trained and qualified staff. All the members working at the Haj Terminal are university graduates with several specializations,” he said.

He said that once a pilgrim reaches a counter, it only takes him a minute and a half to complete the procedures. “All counters can serve around 500 pilgrims within 15 minutes,” said Al-Tuwairqi, adding that there is a qualified team of women to handle women’s issues in full privacy.

Al-Tuwairqi said all government agencies and the operational teams and department at KAIA work according to the directions of the country’s leadership to facilitate the procedures for pilgrims. “We make extensive efforts for the comfort and safety of pilgrims during their arrival and departure,” he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466667
October 03, 2013

MAKKAH — The Haj season usually leads to a number of buildings being rented out to pilgrims even though they may not be fit for purpose, according to local residents.

They said many of these buildings violate the health and safety rules set by the Civil Defense.

Some building owners have started offering houses for rent over the past few days while others have rushed to rent out houses to pilgrims that have been vacant for quite a long time, especially since many of the central area hotels in Makkah have been demolished to make way for development projects.

Local resident Omar Safar Al-Owayyid said with the beginning of every Haj season, rental signs start spreading on the streets of Makkah, especially as the pilgrimage is considered to be an opportunity to make money through any means necessary.

He said: “What is the fault of the pilgrim if the mutawwif or others rent a building that is unfit for staying.

“There are buildings whose appearance indicates that they are not at all fit for use.

“This issue of renting out old buildings should be dealt with fast before accidents like fires and short circuits happen.”

Abdullah Al-Zubaidi, a Saudi citizen, said such buildings for rent have spread due to the demolition of hotels in the central area.

Rent levels during Haj have reached high levels, causing some people to rush to rent out the cheapest buildings, either by responding to the signs outside the properties or by looking online, he said.

He said: “The concerned authorities have got to move to stop this phenomenon that might pose a danger to the lives of pilgrims by carrying out inspection tours.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182526
4 Oct 2013

JEDDAH — Twenty-six pilgrims with false documents have been discovered so far, according to Brig. Khalafallah Al-Twearqi, commander of passport forces at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA). Also, 29 pilgrims with criminal records have been sent back to their countries thanks to advanced fingerprinting systems. The officers have been put on alert since the Haj season started, Al-Twearqi said. They have been trained on using technology to discover any forgery of official documents.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182533
4 Oct 2013

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Albejawi, the Haj Ministry director in Madinah, has confirmed that 23,124 Iraqi pilgrims have arrived in the city so far.
Albejawi met Muhammad Taqi Al-Mawla, the president of the Haj and Umrah Commission in Iraq, to discuss services offered to Iraqi pilgrims during their stay in Madinah.

Albejawi said that discussions revolved around improving services such as housing and other arrangements related to the Haj pilgrimage.
Arrangements come under the framework of the directives issued Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman and Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar, who stressed on the importance of improving services for pilgrims.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466659

4 Oct 2013

MAKKAH — For the first time this year the Civil Defense will use quad-bikes equipped with fire extinguishers and rescue equipment to respond to fires during peak hours at the holy sites.

The bikes were tested in Ramadan and proved effective in handling fires in crowded places, attending emergencies faster than firefighting squads.

Each bike has a 300-liter water tank and 16 liters of foam.

It can pump water from a distance of 13 meters for 12 minutes continuously. The bikes are supplied with cutting equipment to remove trapped persons inside vehicles and can reach rugged areas that are usually inaccessible to large firefighting teams and rescue equipment.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182530
4 Oct 2013

MAKKAH — The Grand Mosque’s security officers arrested an Arab expatriate after he allegedly stole a woman’s purse during prayer time. The officers also found SR26,000 and a number of cell phones with the man. He admitted that he stole them from different pilgrims who were busy performing prayer. Maj. Gen. Yehya Al-Zahrani, commander of security at the mosque, said officers would not be lenient with anyone who tries to hurt pilgrims.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182524
4 Oct 2013

Ahmad bin Abdullah Sembawa, deputy chairman of the General Syndicate for Cars, has said that more than 600 old buses used to transport pilgrims will be taken off the roads next year.

“These vehicles will operate this Haj season only and companies in violation will be subject to penalties,” he said.

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has issued orders prohibiting the sale of old buses.

Bandar Hajjar, minister of Haj, notified the syndicate of the committee’s recommendations in line with a royal decree.

Meanwhile, Marwan Rashad Zubaidi, secretary-general and spokesman of the syndicate, said that drivers of pilgrim buses will not be allowed to perform Haj so that they can serve pilgrims.

“Around 5,000 drivers attended a training and awareness course held recently,” said Zubaidi.

The course included unveiling a traffic plan inside Makkah and the holy sites and specifying the hours during which the central area around the Grand Mosque is off limits to buses.

“There are strict rules forbidding alcohol or drugs. Drivers in violation of this rule will be deported to their countries within 48 hours,” he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466661 4 Oct 2013

RIYADH — Eighteen S92 and Black Hawk (S70A) helicopters will be monitoring the movement of pilgrims at the holy sites, according to the commander of security aircraft.

“All helicopters have been put on alert and all helipads in Makkah and the holy sites have been tested,” Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Harbi said.

The helicopters will be flying over Arafat, Muzdalifah, and the Jamarat Bridge during Haj while at the same time transmit live photographs to the operations center in order to respond to any emergency properly. The helicopters will be supported by security officers on the ground at these sites as well.

Currently, the helicopters take off on short flights on a daily basis and monitor all the roads to and from Mina.

The goal is to prevent any stampedes or traffic congestion during the peak hours of Haj.

There are thermal cameras and night-vision equipment installed in the helicopters to facilitate their missions at night.

Al-Harbi said all captains are capable of responding to accidents that happen in high places in Makkah.

“The captains can fly as high as 3,000 feet over these places and handle any incident professionally.”

They can also respond to fire accidents and rescue injured victims within a short time.

Okaz flew on board one of the aircraft that took off Wednesday on a short flight over the holy sites. It was noticed that all the roads at the holy sites and inside Makkah are manned by security officers while all lanes and pathways have been rearranged to facilitate the movement of buses and pilgrims.

At the holy sites, especially Mina, the scene was similar to a beehive with various government personnel working non-stop to prepare the place for pilgrims.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182525

4 oct 2013

JEDDAH — Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is also chairman of the Central Haj Committee, said all citizens are responsible for pilgrims’ safety.

He praised the response of citizens toward the “Haj is Worship and Civilized Conduct” campaign, urging pilgrims to perform Haj with a permit. He announced that the e-government program would be implemented in time for the next Haj season.

Local authorities are working at full capacity to prevent infiltrators from entering the holy sites, he said, adding that penalties will be imposed on any violator who is arrested.

Prince Khaled said the holy sites will witness development projects in the future and praised all government and private organizations serving pilgrims who visit the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

He also expressed satisfaction at the projects and procedures that have been implemented to ensure these services are provided to pilgrims perfectly.

Prince Khaled said he valued the efforts of all Saudi nationals serving pilgrims and who improve their performances every year.

He said they work as a team and coordinate with each other to remove any hurdles without delay.

Prince Khaled had inspected on Tuesday night the Haj and Umrah Terminals Complex at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to check on the progress of work and services prepared for pilgrims coming through the airport.

At the complex, he received a group of pilgrims who arrived by air to the Kingdom.

He congratulated them on their safe arrival and wished them a pleasant stay at the holy sites.

Prince Khaled inspected the offices of government authorities in the terminals that were completing procedures for receiving pilgrims.

Government departments and organizations based in the terminal include the Ministry of Health, Passports Department, Customs Department, Ministry of Haj and Unified Agencies Office.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182557
4 Oct 2013

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has allocated SR12 million for stocking up on medicine for the treatment of Haj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, according to a top official.

Yacoub Al-Mazroa, undersecretary for supplies and engineering affairs, said his department was ready to get emergency patients admitted to hospitals after administration of first aid. Special arrangements have been made to treat pilgrims who suffer from sunstroke. Chilled rooms and blankets are kept ready to treat such patients in mobile medical units, he said.

Huge quantities of medicine and vaccines have been stocked up to meet demand, he said, adding that vaccination against meningitis was mandatory for all pilgrims. Vaccination should be administered 10 days before departure and is only active for a period of three years.

He said meningitis might spread during the Haj season, causing outbreaks, especially from pilgrims coming from endemic areas. The vaccine is given to adults and children over the age of two and is not administered on pregnant women.

As authorities finalized Haj preparations, Maj. Gen. Saad Al-Kholaiwi, commander of Haj Security Forces, warned that expatriates attempting to perform Haj without a mandatory permit will be deported immediately. He was addressing a press conference at Mina’s security headquarters.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466671 4 Oct 2013

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Prince Mansour bin Miteb will inspect the ministry’s preparations for the Haj season on Saturday to ensure that new projects in Makkah and the other holy places are ready to host pilgrims.
He will also inspect projects regarding public health, food safety and environmental reforms.

He will inaugurate several new projects during the tour, which the ministry undertook prior to the Haj season for this year. One such major project is the connection of the third floor of Jamrat (stone-throwing area) between Ash Shu’aibeen and Al-Mu’aisim, which cost SR570 million. The project involves many tunnels, roads, and bridges through King Khalid Road.

The tunnel network of the project is the largest among Makkah’s tunnels and is 16 meters wide. Pilgrim capacity is expected to increase by 20 percent.
The minister will also inspect the connection project between the Al-Aziziah area and the fourth floor of Jamrat, in addition to the expansion of the western yard, which will be opened for the first time this year. The expanded area spans more than 40,000 square meters and cost SR50 million to construct.

The camel and cow slaughterhouse was also transferred to the Al-Mu’aisim area, where a two-lane, 5 km highway has been built at a cost of SR102 million.

Other projects included the installation of slaughtering lines and equipment at a cost of SR155 million. This is in addition to the buildings and service facilities of the projects, which cost a total of SR133 million.

The minister will also inspect the final preparations of the second phase of a project to build an additional 36,000 toilets in the immediate areas around the holy sites, in addition to 22,000 new toilets at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466663 4 Oct 2013

The Ministry of Haj has received more than 130 papers to be read in the forthcoming 38th Haj Forum, which will be held under the theme “Jurisprudence of the major features of Haj.”

The papers, which deal with important aspects of performing Haj rituals correctly, will be subject to review by peers to ensure that they comply with the conditions set by the forum secretariat with regard to suitability to the subject matter.

The forum will be held in Makkah for three days beginning Oct. 8.

Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar said: “The subject of this year’s forum is different. We are in dire need of jurisprudence on the major features of Haj so that the performance of the ritual can be organized and facilitated as best as possible. We want to show that the Haj season is a bright aspect of Muslim civilization.”

Hisham Al-Abbas, secretary-general of the forum, said: “Every year, the minister selects a topic for the forum from various topics given to him by the scientific committee. The aim is to solicit papers that provide rich research material that is rigorous and invigorating, where they can provide grounds for the exchange of ideas and enlightened discussion of the topics involved.”

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466660

4 Oct 2013

The Civil Defense has set up an emergency shelter to accommodate 100,000 pilgrims during this year’s Haj season.

Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijri, director general of the department, said the Civil Defense is prepared to deal with 13 possible calamities including floods, fires, tremors, rainstorms and gas leak.

“The government has given us everything we need including staff and equipment to carry out our mission effectively during the Haj,” he said.
Al-Tuwaijri said 18 government departments and agencies would participate in implementing the Civil Defense’s Haj safety plans.

“We start our preparations for Haj soon after the end of the previous season and plan taking into account our strengths and shortcomings. We have established centers in Makkah and other holy sites to deal quickly with emergency situations,” he said.

The department will use GPS systems to locate accident sites quickly. “We’ll also use SMS messages to inform pilgrims about Haj safety regulations.”

Easy transport

Jabara Al-Seraisry, minister of transport, has approved a plan to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims to the holy sites, the Grand Mosque and their lodgings without delay or roadblocks.

According to the plan, the ministry will supervise and monitor the activities of the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) and other transporting companies permitted to operate during the pilgrimage season.

A team from the ministry will implement the plan with the collaboration of the Ministry of Haj, the Directorate of Public Security, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Haj Research Institute and the Makkah Municipality.

The ministry will also ensure that pilgrims are transported from Aziziah District and other areas in which they are housed to the Grand Mosque for all the compulsory prayers.

The plan also aims to ensure that highways and expressways leading to Makkah are maintained to the best condition, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Excellence prize

A Haj excellence prize in the name of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has been proposed for countries that manage their Haj affairs effectively.

The proposal was made at a seminar held in Madinah on Wednesday that was organized by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques.

Participants said the prize would encourage countries to compete with one another in managing their Haj affairs, adding that it would have a big impact on Haj management in the coming years.

The seminar, which was launched by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman, urged foreign Haj missions to enlighten their pilgrims on Haj matters prior to their arrival in the Kingdom.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466666
4 Oct 2013

JEDDAH — A new catering company with a capital of SR100 million will start operating next Haj season, said Saad Al-Qurashi, chairman of the committee of transportation at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The company, which will be owned by six businessmen, will provide pilgrims with all types of catering services but will focus primarily on catering for local pilgrims. Al-Qurashi said there are plans to target Umrah performers as well in the future.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20131004182537

 

Ten Makkah municipalities gear up for Haj

Internet available in mosque courtyards

Golf carts to transport pilgrims

The General Presidency has begun using three golf carts at the peripheries of the Central Area
to transport elderly pilgrims, Umrah performers and the disabled.

Great Mosque of Gaza

also known as the Great Omari Mosque

 

5 October 2013

Believe it or not, at a time when younger people are becoming victims of even minor infections, three Indian pilgrims above the age of 100 have arrived in the Kingdom to perform Haj, and they are in perfect shape.

Ismail from the north Indian state of Haryana, who has seen all of 107 summers, is the oldest of the trio, with 102-year-old grand old lady Havabibi Shaikh from Gujarat and 100-year-old Ilyas from Uttar Pradesh looking forward to performing the Haj rituals this season. All of them have come through the government’s central Haj Committee.

Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said on Friday: “All these three pilgrims are well-oriented with Haj rituals and are also in good health. The Indian medical mission has been visiting them on a regular basis to check their health condition.”

From India, 100,191 pilgrims arrived till Thursday, with Jeddah accounting for 90,049 and Madinah receiving 62,176 of them. A total of 337 flights of Saudia and Air India have carried these passengers to the two airports.

The consulate has said that 23 pilgrims died in Makkah and another 12 in Madinah.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/466780

Riyadh, Dhu-AlQa'dah 28, 1434, Oct 4, 2013, SPA

The Supreme Court has called on the public all over the Kingdom to sight the new Dhu Al-Hijjah crescent on the evening of Saturday, 29 Dhul Qadah, 1434 AH (Oct 5, 2013) to determine when the first day of Dhu Al-Hijjah month falls.

"Those who sight the new Dhu Al-Hijjah crescent tomorrow evening (Saturday evening) should inform the nearest court." the Supreme court said in a statement today.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1153902