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#3766 [Permalink] Posted on 6th March 2014 15:23
 
First level of Temporary Mataf bridge set to open


The bridge, which has an area of over 3,000 square meters,
has three outlets and an emergency exit
6 March 2014 -5 Jumada Al-Awwal 1435

MAKKAH – Final touches are being given to the first level of the temporary circular bridge over the mataf (area for circumambulation around the Holy Ka’ba) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.

Its entrances have been connected with the ground floor and the outer courtyards. All the provisions for safety, lighting, acoustics, ventilation and water drainage have been completed.

The upper level of the 12-meter-wide and 13-meter-high bridge was opened for wheelchair-bound pilgrims by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, last July. The top level currently connects to the first floor of the Grand Mosque.

The opening of the first level of the temporary bridge had been postponed until after Haj. With the opening of the two levels, the bridge will be able to accommodate 5,000 visitors an hour.

The bridge, which has an area of over 3,000 square meters, has three outlets and an emergency exit.

The decorated parapet of the upper level has been replaced with a glass barrier so that the view of the Holy Ka’ba is not blocked.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140306197783


5 March 2014

 
4 Jumada al Awwal 1435 ~ 5 March 2014



 
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#3767 [Permalink] Posted on 6th March 2014 15:24
 
Traders turn Uhud into marketplace


MAKING A FAST BUCK: Dozens of traders are making a living from pilgrims at the site
of the famous Battle of Uhud in Madinah, selling dates, trinkets and taking photographs of pilgrims.

6 March 2014

Many informal traders continue to make a living from pilgrims at the site of the famous Battle of Uhud, despite a crackdown by the municipality.

The site is one of many in Madinah popular among pilgrims. It has several graves of martyrs including Hamza bin Abdul Muttaleb, uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Photographers walking around with instant cameras to take pictures of pilgrims, say this is their only source of income. They charge SR10 for one photograph and SR15 for two.

Ahmed Al-Marei, a photographer, told Arab News: “This is our livelihood. The municipal inspectors make life difficult for us. We often have to hide among the pilgrims when they arrive."

He said he earns about SR250 a day during the Umrah season and more during Haj.

Arab News saw dozens of other traders with carts and kiosks spread across the ancient battlefield between the Al-Rumat Mountain and the graveyard of the martyrs, in a haphazard and unpleasant manner. They sell trinkets, plants, dates and other goods.

Pilgrims keep these traders in business buying goods from them. Many Pakistanis, Indians, Indonesians and Turks buy exotic-looking plants from the traders.

Several young people, who appear no older than 15, also frequent the site offering their services as tourist guides for a fee. It is unclear what they charge the pilgrims.

Taxi drivers also make money from pilgrims by transporting them to these and other historical sites in Madinah.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/535621

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#3768 [Permalink] Posted on 6th March 2014 15:25
 
Masjid al Haram under construction

March 2014







 
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#3769 [Permalink] Posted on 6th March 2014 15:26
 
Approval to create the Library of Haram al-Sharif
near Masjid al Haram


صدور الموافقة السامية على إنشاء مشروع مكتبة الحرم المكي الشريف بالقرب من المسجد الحرام

5 Jumada al Awwal 1435

صدرت موافقة خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود ـ حفظه الله ـ، بإنشاء مشروع مكتبة الحرم المكي الشريف بالقرب من المسجد الحرام في موقع ملائم، ضمن مشروع توسعة الملك عبدالله التاريخية للمسجد الحرام، يأتي ذلك انطلاقاً من مكانة الحرمين الشريفين وحرص الدولة ـ رعاها الله ـ على العناية بهما والاهتمام بمنظومة الخدمات المقدمة فيهما، ونظراً للأهمية العلمية والمكانة التاريخية لمكتبة الحرم المكي الشريف فقد صدرت موافقته ـ حفظه الله ـ بإنشاء مقر لمكتبة الحرم المكي الشريف بجوار المسجد الحرام يكون بديلاً دائماً عن المبنى المستأجر الذي تقام فيه المكتبة بحي العزيزية . وقد وافق ـ حفظه الله ـ بأن تضم التوسعة المباركة عدداً من مرافق المسجد الحرام ومن أهمها مكتبة الحرم المكي الشريف التاريخية، ووجه ـ حفظه الله ـ وزارة المالية باعتماد ذلك على وفق التصاميم الكاملة والخطط الهندسية للمشروع في أرقى طراز وأحسن مستوى وأبدع تصميم يليق بمكانة المسجد الحرام وكل ما يتعلق به، ولا سيما مكتبة الحرم العريقة التي يمتد عمرها إلى اثني عشر قرناً في خدمة العلم ورواده . الجدير بالذكر أن أرض المشروع تقع على شارع جبل الكعبة وعلى الجانب الشمالي الغربي من مبنى الخدمات لمشروع التوسعة السعودية الثالثة ويخترقها الطريق الدائري الأول. والمشروع ذوطبيعة متعددة الاستخدامات ويهدف إلى إقامة مركز علمي وصرح معرفي ثقافي حضاري على مستوى عالمي في العاصمة المقدسة يتمحور حول مكتبة مركزية تتسع لعشرين مليون عنوان،ويحتوي على: - أدوار الخدمات السفلية وتحتوي على محطة النقل وعلى عدة أدوار مع تأمين مداخل ومخارج بعض مكونات المركز الثقافي مثل المعرض والمتحف والقبة السماوية وصالات العرض، وأدوار المكتبة للرجال والنساء، وقاعة كبرى للمطالعة. - برج متعدد الأدوار يشتمل على أماكن حفظ الكتب ومجموعات الكتب المتخصصة ومراكزالأبحاث والترجمة والمكاتب الإدارية. - مركز للمؤتمرات وقاعة كبرى للمحاضرات مع كافة الخدمات الملحقة به تتسع لما يزيد عن ألف مستفيد. وسوف يكون للمشروع مدخلا رئيسا من شارع جبل ا لكعبة ومن السطح العلوي لمبنى خدمات مشروع التوسعة مما يعطي الفرصة للربط المباشرمع ساحات المسجد الحرام كما سيتم تأمين مدخل خلفي من الطريق المقترح والذى يربط الموقع بشارع عمر بن عبد العزيز. ويهدف المشروع إلى إيجاد صرح علمي ومركزثقافي بمنطقةالمسجد الحرام ليكون نقطةجذب لزواربيت الله الحرام على مدارالعام مما يُعد نقلة كبرى وقفزة عظمى وإضافة نوعية في منظومة الخدمات المقدمة في الحرمين الشريفين . ويعكس المشروع اهتمام القيادة الرشيدة بالعلم وطلابه ويترجم عن الجهود الكبيرة التي تقدمها الدولة في الحرمين الشريفين لاسيما فيما يتعلق بالعلم وشداته بما يحقق الأهداف التي أقيم من أجلهاويوفر: • مكتبة مركزية عالمية التوجه والمستوى،وتستخدم فيها أحدث تقنيات العصر وتحتوي على مايقرب من عشرين مليون مجلد )كتاب ومخطوطة( مع مساحات كافية للقراءة لكل من الرجال والنساء وتقدم أحدث مافي العصر من وسائل بحث. • ستقدم المكتبة أدوات وخدمات نموذجية حسب أعلى المستويات والتقنيات العالمية. • كماستوفر جوا من الراحة والأمان والشعور بحسن الضيافة. وسوف تسخر كل الإمكانات لتكون مكونات المركز الثقافي: المكتبة والمعرض ومركز المؤتمرات وهو المركز الثقافي الذي يحظى بأكبر عدد من الزوار في المنطقة سواء في ذلك سكان مكة المكرمة أوالزوار من كل أنحاء العالم. سيتم التركيز على التنوع المثالي بين الاستخدامات الثقافية والخدمات المطلوبة وأيضًا خدمات فريدة لجذب الزوار مثل القبة السماوية وصالات العرض المتعددة وشاشات التقنية الحديثة. وسوفتوفر المكتبة: • مساحات كافية للقراءة لكل من الرجال والنساء. • خدمات مكتبية للأطفال. • مراكز للترجمة والأبحاث. • تقنية عالية في تخزين وتسليم واستلام المجلدات. • مجموعات خاصة وأدوات الوسائط المتعددة Multi Media متقدمة. • الخدمات المتخصصة للمكتبة بأحدث الوسائل العلمية )المخطوطات والمكتبة الرقمية..الخ(. • قسم إعادة تأهيل وترميم وتصوير المخطوطات القديمة. • المساحات الإدارية الكافية. وقد ثـمّن الرئيس العام لشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي معالي الشيخ الدكتور/عبدالرحمن بن عبدالعزيز السديس،هذه المكرمة الكريمة من المقام الكريم وهذا الإهداء العظيم من لدنه ـ حفظه الله ـ ، للمسلمين عامة ورواد الحرمين الشريفين خاصة، وأنه يأتي حلقة وضاءة في سلسلة متلألئةً وسجل حافل متألق من الأعمال الجليلة المقدمة لخدمة الحرمين الشريفين وقاصديهما، ومن أهم أوجه ذلك الاهتمام بالعلم وتقريب نفائسه والعناية بصروحه الشامخة وكنوزه وثماره اليانعة الشهية وإدنائها لرواد العلم وشداته في الحرمين الشريفين وبكل التسهيلات الممكنة وأن العمل جارٍ في إعداد التعاميم والدراسات اللازمة اللائقة بهذا المشروع التاريخي العظيم. وفي ختام تصريحه رفع معالي الرئيس العام من الشكر أعطره ومن الدعاء أوفـره لمقام خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود، ولسمو ولي عهده الأمين وسمو النائب الثاني على ما تلقاه الرئاسة ومرافقها من لدنهم ـ حفظهم الله ـ من دعم ومؤازرة واهتمام ومساندة ليست مستغربة عليهم ـ رعاهم الله ـ كما أشاد بمتابعة واهتمام صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير مشعل بن عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز أمير منطقة مكة المكرمة . ودعا الله أن يجزي خادم الحرمين الشريفين على هذه العطاءات الكبيرة والانجازات العظيمة خير الجزاء، وأن يجعل ذلك في موازين أعماله الصالحة ذخراً له في دنياه وآخرته، إنه سميع مجيب.

http://www.gph.gov.sa/index.cfm?do=c...8&categoryid=2

Google translation: 6 March 2014

Issued approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud , create a library project Haram al-Sharif near the Grand Mosque in a convenient location , within the project of expansion of King Abdullah 's historic Grand Mosque , comes out of its position of the Two Holy Mosques and the keenness of the state sponsored God to take care of them and attention to system services provided therein , and because of the importance of scientific and prestige historical library Haram al-Sharif has issued its approval God save the establishment of the headquarters of the Library of the Haram al- Sharif next to the Grand Mosque is a permanent replacement for the building tenant who held the library district Aziziyah . Has been approved by God save that includes expansion blessed a number of facilities of the Grand Mosque is the most important library Haram al-Sharif historical , and the face of God save the Ministry of Finance to adopt it on according to the designs of full and engineering plans for the project in the finest style and the best level and excelled design befitting the status of the Grand Mosque and everything related to it, especially the prestigious campus library that extends the life of twelve centuries in the service of science and patrons .

It is worth mentioning that the project land located on Mount Street Kaaba and on the northwest side of building services for the expansion project, Saudi Arabia and the third -proof ring road first . The project Dhutabieh versatile and aims to establish a scientific center , said the Gnostic cultural civilization on a global level in the Holy City revolves around the central library can accommodate twenty million a title, and contains:

1- the roles of services lower and contain the transfer station and on several roles with secure entrances and exits of some components of the cultural center such as the exhibition and the museum and planetarium , galleries , and the roles of the library for men and women , and a major hall for reading
2- Multi-storey tower includes places of keeping books and collections of books and specialized Mrakzalabhat , translation, and administrative offices .
3- A conference center and a major lecture hall with all the services attached to it that can accommodate more than one thousand beneficiaries.

It will be an introduction to the project as president of Mount Street, the Kaaba and the upper surface of the building services expansion project, which gives the opportunity to connect Alambeshrma squares of the Grand Mosque will also secure the rear entrance of the proposed road , which connects the site Street Omar bin Abdul Aziz . The project aims to create a scientific and told Mrkzthagafa Bmntqhalmsadjad man's land to be Nqthjzb to Zoarpett of God on Madaram which is a major move and a super jump and add the quality of services provided in the system in the Two Holy Mosques .

The project reflects the attention of the leadership in science and his students and translates for the great efforts made ​​by the state in the Two Holy Mosques, particularly with regard to science and Hdath in order to achieve the goals that took place from Ogelhaujovr :

• Library centralized global orientation and level , and using modern technologies and contains approximately twenty million folder) Book and manuscript ( with adequate space for reading for both men and women and offers the latest Mavi era of media search .
• will provide library tools and services typical to the highest levels and techniques .
• Kmastopr an atmosphere of comfort and safety and a sense of hospitality . will harness all the potential to be the components of the cultural center : Library and the exhibition and conference center , a cultural center , which has the largest number of visitors in the region, whether the residents of Mecca Oalzoar from all over the world . will focus on the diversity ideal between uses and cultural services required and also unique services to attract visitors , such as a planetarium , galleries multi -screen technology modern .

Sowicoffr and Library :
• adequate space for reading for both men and women .
• library services for children .
• Centers for translation and research.
• high technology in the storage , delivery and receipt of the folders.
• Special groups and multimedia tools advanced Multi Media .
• specialized services for the library with the latest scientific methods ) manuscripts and digital library .. etc.
• Department of Rehabilitation and restoration and photographing ancient manuscripts .
• office space adequate .

Was eighth President General for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque HE Dr. Sheikh / Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sudais , this Mecca stones of the place decent and this gifting great twist may God protect him , the Muslims in general and the pioneers of the Two Holy Mosques private , and it comes loop albedo in a series of sparkling and a proven track record brilliant works of the venerable provided to serve the Two Holy Mosques and Qasidihma , and the most important aspects of that interest in science and rounded Nfaúsh care Besroha majestic treasures and fruit ripe appetite and their degradation of the pioneers of science and Hdath the Two Holy Mosques, and with all possible facilities and work is underway to prepare circulars and the necessary studies decent this historic project great . at the conclusion of his statement, raising Excellency President General of Thanksgiving Oatrh and pray Ofrah to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud , and His Highness the Crown Prince and the Second Deputy Premier is received by the presidency and its facilities from Denham , may Allah support and sustain the interest and support is not surprising they cared God also praised the follow-up and attention of His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region . He called on God to reward Monarch on these great gifts and great achievements of the best reward , and that makes it his good deeds in the balance of an asset to him in the world and the Hereafter , he listens and responds .



The new library will replace
the Library al Haram al Makki in Aziziah district


مكتبة الحرم المكي



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#3770 [Permalink] Posted on 6th March 2014 20:15
 
Hilton opens First Tower at Hilton Suites
Makkah Hotel in Saudi Arabia


Hilton Worldwide Opens First Tower At Hilton Suites Makkah Hotel In Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
3 March 2014

Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Suites Makkah First Tower at the heartland of Saudi Arabia. The 480-room contemporary luxury hotel split into two towers, boasts a fabulous location overlooking the Kaaba and Holy Haram.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said, "Overlooking the Grand Holy Masjid in the centre of Makkah, the Jabal Omar development - one of the largest hotel developments in the world - meets the growing demand for a wider variety of accommodations from the rising number of travellers visiting Saudi Arabia every year. We look forward to welcoming visitors to this important region to our fifth hotel in the country, and to offering guests the world-class service and amenities for which the Hilton brand is known."

Just 100 kilometers from Jeddah International Airport, many of the city's holy sites and popular Makkah attractions are just a short distance from the hotel. Pilgrims and guests can visit the Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, drink water from ZamZam Well, hike to the peak of Jabal al-Nour - the Mountain of Light, admire the fascinating exhibits on display at Makkah Museum and shop in one of the many stores at the extensive Makkah Mall.

Hilton Suites Makkah features a range of amenities designed for both the business and religious guest. Guest rooms are designed to convey a sense of balance, space, luxury, comfort and symmetry, featuring a unique color scheme based on the five times of prayers throughout the day - sunrise, noon, late afternoon, sunset and nighttime - in addition to generous work areas and WiFi access. Ideal for families and groups, the hotels offers spacious suites with superior views of either the city or the Holy Haram, a separate living area and several amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour business center, 24-hour car parking and an in-house clinic onsite for instant medical care. Guests can chose to dine at one of the five distinct outlets: Al-Khalil café, Al-Falak lounge, Al-Kawkab lounge, The Orchid Asian Restaurant and Al-Qandeel All Day Dining Restaurant. The hotels also boast two flexible meeting spaces and the latest A/V equipment.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa said, "Saudi Arabia has seen a steady increasing number of religious and business travellers over the past years. As the world's largest pilgrimage site, Makkah attracts millions of people from every corner of the world during the annual Hajj and the seasonal Umrah pilgrimage. Hilton Worldwide entered the holy city 19 years ago with its maiden property Makkah Hilton & Towers, the first international hotel to open in Makkah. The opening of Hilton Suites Makkah complements the existing hotel and supports the growing pace of visitors going to Makkah."

In addition, this regional growth will allow Hilton Worldwide to support the Saudization employment plan.

Ismail Sirry, general manager, Hilton Suites Makkah said, "Hilton has a well-recognized presence in Makkah as well as the region, and with the opening of Hilton Suites Makkah we aim to continue delivering the Arabian hospitality and comfort to meet our guests' needs and ease their hardship during their spiritual journey."

http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4064268.html























 
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#3771 [Permalink] Posted on 6th March 2014 23:56
 
Haram Library gets royal approval

7 March 2014 - 6 Jumada Al-Awwal 1435 H

MAKKAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given approval to set up a library at a suitable location near the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. The Makkah Haram Library will face Jabal Al-Ka’aba Street and will have access from the roof of the services building within the Grand Mosque’s King Abdullah Historical Expansion. The library will have sufficient space for men and women and will also cater to the reading needs of children.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140307197885



King Approves Establishment
of Holy Mosque Library Project in Makkah

Makkah, Jumada I 5, 1435, Mar 6, 2014, SPA

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the establishment of Holy Mosque Library Project in Makkah within the project of King Abdullah Historical Expansion for the Holy Mosque.

Due to the knowledge importance and historical position of the Holy Mosque Library, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques approved establishment of the headquarters of the library in the vicinity of the Holy Mosque instead of the current tenant building of the library in Al-Aziziah District.

The monarch directed that the ministry of finance is to provide all accreditations in accordance with complete and engineering plans for the project.

The project aims to establish a scientific and cultural center with more than 20 million books of an international level. The project also includes downstairs service storeys with transportation stations in addition to exhibition, museum, planetarium, galleries, auditorium, library's storeys for men and women and a major hall for reading.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1206566
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#3772 [Permalink] Posted on 7th March 2014 04:53
 
Darah, Jamia project to compile data
on South Asia Haj pilgrims

7 March 2014

A workshop was organized by King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), Riyadh, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, to prepare a comprehensive encyclopedia of Haj pilgrims and pilgrimage from South Asian countries.

Speaking to Arab News, the organizers said on Tuesday that the workshop was organized in Jamia Millia last week in collaboration with the King Abdul Aziz foundation in which 32 prominent scholars, academics and researchers from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives, participated.

All of them are experts on past and present Haj management from their countries, and they strongly felt the need to compile the information and bring it out in the form of a comprehensive encyclopedia.

Earlier, Jamia was identified as the nodal agency from South Asian countries to coordinate the compilation of this encyclopedia in an agreement signed more than a year ago by its Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung and the King Abdul Aziz Foundation.

The Indian contingent of Haj pilgrims remained the largest till the partition of India in 1947 with the separation of Pakistan. Even today India sends the second largest number of pilgrims to perform Haj after Indonesia.

A senior professor at Jamia’s Islamic studies center, in an e-mail reply to Arab News, said: “A lot of material on Indian pilgrims’ journeys to Makkah Mukarramah and Madina Munawwarah is scattered over different parts of the Indian sub-continent and other countries of South Asia in the form of travelogues, details of Haj endowments, systems of transportations, medical facilities for Hajis and their departure and arrival arrangements since ages. It will be properly documented now.”

Founded in 1972 by a royal decree to serve the history of the Kingdom, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Arab and Islamic world, Darah is managed by a board of directors chaired by Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense.

Popularly known as Darah, the foundation manages the historical sources, makes it available for researchers and publishes specialized versions besides running several centers including the Makkah center, the Madinah research and studies center, royal family’s history documenting center and Arab Gulf and East of the Arabian Peninsula history center in Dammam.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/536132
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#3773 [Permalink] Posted on 7th March 2014 04:59
 
3 million Umrah visas issued so far


7 March 2014

More than 3 million visas have been issued for Umrah pilgrims so far and more than 2 million pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom during the current Umrah season, said Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar at the end of an inspection tour to Madinah on Thursday.

Hajjar’s tour included inspection of the the reception and departure facilities for Umrah pilgrims at Madinah’s Prince Muhammad International Airport and the outer wall being built around the monitoring center for pilgrim groupings on Hijra Road, in addition to the reception station for pilgrims arriving by road in the city.

The minister said one of the major purposes of his visit was to view the progress in the implementation of the operation plan for the current Umrah season, which began in early December.

He said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency that more than 480,000 pilgrims are currently in Makkah and Madinah.

“We follow up on the implementation of operation plans for the Umrah season and hope that everything progresses as scheduled. I have been delighted to witness coordination and cooperation between government departments,” he said.

Hajjar said that there was no crowding at the airport in spite of on average 100 incoming and departing flights daily.

The visit was also part of the inspections for the upcoming Haj season, for which several meetings and field visits to Makkah, Jeddah and Yanbu were earlier held.

Hajjar also visited the site at King Abdullah City for the reception and farewell of Haj and Umrah pilgrims, for which a royal decree has been issued.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/536211



General statistics of the Umrah season 1435/2014



Until 4 Jamadil-Awal 1435 - 5 March 2014

Total Number of the Mutamirs:

2,413,500

* Mutamir/s: is/are the one who come into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to perform Umrah rituals and visit the Prophet's Holy Mosque.




 
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#3774 [Permalink] Posted on 7th March 2014 05:04
 
Malaysia to send 22,320 Hajis



Jabal al Rahmah

7 March 2014

The Kingdom and Malaysia have signed an agreement to host 22,320 Malaysian pilgrims this year.

Malaysian Minister Jamil Khir bin Baharom met with Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar at his office in Jeddah to sign the contract.

Baharam hailed the efforts made by Saudi authorities to facilitate the pilgrimage for visitors, according to a statement issued by the Haj Ministry.
“The Haj minister stresses the need for an orientation program for visiting pilgrims in order to perform their rituals properly,” said the Haj Ministry statement.

Malaysian Consul General Mohammed Khalid Abdul Razak and Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, chairman of the Malaysian pilgrims Haj fund, Tabung Haji, and a member of Malaysia’s Parliament, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

Malaysia is one of the few countries with an effective and service-oriented Haj plan.

Tabung Haji mobilizes funds from Malaysians intending to perform Haj and invests the money in stocks, properties, transport, plantations and other viable projects. Tabung Haji is in possession of $14 billion in assets.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/536186




Malaysia seeks increase in Haj pilgrims quota


6 March 2014

SEPANG: The Pilgrims Fund Board of Malaysia (Lembaga Tabung Haji) has sought an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims for this year's pilgrimage, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.
He said the request was made by the Board at a meeting with the Saudi government over this year's haj preparations, recently.

"If the Saudi government cannot accommodate our request, it is suffice that they revert to the original quota of 27,900 pilgrims," he told reporters upon arrival from Saudi Arabia at the KL International Airport here today.

The Saudi government reduced the Malaysian haj quota by 20 per cent to 22,320 pilgrims last year due to massive construction of the holy cities of Medina and Mecca, including the expansion of the Grand Mosque.

The reduction of haj quota is expected to continue until the completion of the projects in 2016.

Meanwhile, Jamil Khir said the Saudi government would introduce 'E-Haji', an online application for haj visas.

As for now, umrah (small haj) visa applications could be made online, he added.

On umrah quota for the fasting month of Ramadhan, he said the Saudi government had fixed the quota at 500,000 pilgrims and each country could only send one group at a time.

"For example, if we were to send a group of 1,000 umrah pilgrims at one time, they should come back before the arrival of other groups.

"So, I would like to advise Malaysian umrah pilgrims to shorten their umrah to allow others the opportunity to perform theirs," he said.

Jamil Khir said the Saudi government had categorised 21 Malaysian pilgrims from last season pilgrimage as those who failed to return home after the pilgrimage.

"In my opinion, they might have come back or died, but the Saudi system did not register them as such. We will get the Pilgrims Fund Board to verify this by going through the haj list," he added.

http://www.nst.com.my/latest/malaysi...quota-1.499664




Hajj Quotas 2014 by Countries


 

Hajj Quotas 2014 announced until now by the Ministry of Hajj
 

List updated


Indonesia: 168,000
Pakistan: 143,368
India: 136,020
Bangladesh: 100,000
Iran: 61,677
Turkey: 59,200
Morocco: 25,600
Sudan: 25,600
Irak: 25,172
Afghanistan: 24,000
Malaysia: 22,320
Yemen: 19,400
Russia: 16,400
Tunisia: 8,300
Somalia: 7,440
Jordania: 5,600
Palestine: 5,280
Uzbekistan: 5,220
Mauritania: 2,692
Singapore: 680



*Take note that this list is not complete as the Ministry of Hajj
continue to meet Hajj representative of each country.

Ministry of Hajj said that Hajj quotas will be the same as last year.


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#3775 [Permalink] Posted on 10th March 2014 04:20

 

Masjid al Haram updates

3-4 March 2014







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#3776 [Permalink] Posted on 10th March 2014 04:21
 
Grand Mosque imam’s advice:

''Put society before self''



Worshipers pack the courtyard of the Grand Mosque in Makkah in this file photo. In a Friday sermon last weekend,
an imam of the Grand Mosque said disregarding public and private rights is selfishness and contrary to Islamic teachings.
9 March 2014

Selfishness causes many worries for society, according to Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim, imam of the Grand Mosque.

In his Friday sermon, he told Muslims to fear God, obey Him and stay away from the things prohibited.

Al-Shuraim said that selfishness means loving oneself and putting whims and desires before that of everything else, disregarding public and private rights. It means benefiting oneself without paying much attention to Muslim interests. “Selfish individuals don’t have family or community interest in their moral dictionary. A selfish man sees life as meaningful for himself only,” he said.

He added that Allah has deprived selfish people of the sweetness of belief, which can’t be felt by people who have this character trait. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “One isn’t a believer unless he wishes for others what he wishes for himself.”

He said the word “I” begins with pride and arrogance until it becomes a moral and mental tumor. If this individual is asked to do something, he wants to know what’s in it for him first. In this respect he is similar to the Pharaoh, Nimrud and Lucifer who said to His Creator, “I am better than him. You created me from fire and him from clay.”

Al-Shuraim said that no society will succeed if its individuals only know the word “I.” Society is like a big family, where all members take part in fostering what’s good for the whole family and keeping away from harmful things, keeping in mind the public benefit. Communities will not rise unless people perform their duties in a manner satisfactory to God.

He said: “Our religion encourages people to alleviate themselves from demeaning behavior, including arrogance, self-admiration and pride. These characteristics lead to preferring personal interests over public benefits.”

He quoted Ibn Al-Qayim as saying: “Be careful of ‘Me, ‘I have’ and ‘I owe’, because these words were used by Lucifer, the Pharaoh and Qarun.”

http://www.arabnews.com/news/537146



Masjid al Haram updates

8 March 2014







7 March 2014

 
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#3777 [Permalink] Posted on 10th March 2014 04:24
 
Islamic sites to be developed in 3 years
 

9 March 2014

The development of historic Islamic sites in the Kingdom would take three years, according to Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

In a statement issued at the second Tourist Guides Forum hosted by Al-Ahsa municipality recently, Prince Sultan said this deadline was set by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. The Cabinet recently gave the go-ahead for the projects.

“The SCTA has been working over the past two weeks to restructure its executive bodies in accordance with the requirements of the resolution.”

He said the SCTA is working with the authorities in Madinah and Makkah to rehabilitate these sites, including where battles took place at Al-Khandaq, Uhud and Badr.

He said the tourism body was also working with the governor of Makkah to develop Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light). This includes educating guides to ensure tourists are given correct information at the site.

He said the King Abdullah project includes many Islamic and pre-Islamic sites.

Prince Sultan said he participated in the forum because he has been a qualified tour guide since 2004.

He said the tourism sector has the potential to create many jobs for Saudis. The SCTA has so far licensed over 229 tourist guides in different categories.

Prince Sultan said Al-Ahsa is a “beautiful place with wonderful weather,” and has the potential to become a major tourism spot in the country, especially after the completion of the Al-Uqair and Al-Hofuf development projects.

“The Kingdom has thousands of natural and heritage sites in addition to marine, mountain and desert environments. But the most important thing is that the government believes that tourism is a job creator.”

Meanwhile, American Express (Amex) Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with the SCTA to become the official and exclusive sponsor of the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards for the next three years.

The SCTA organizes the annual awards with the Saudi Voyager and Terhal magazines. It has become one of the most significant measures for quality standards in the tourism and hospitality sectors in the Kingdom.

The awards will for the first time this year have a series of regional qualifiers.

The candidates will compete for prizes in the 13 regions of the Kingdom to advance as winners to the national finals. A jury of national and international experts will assess the final winners.

Fahad Al-Gathami, chief executive officer of Amex Saudi Arabia, said he was pleased to have an opportunity to support the efforts of the SCTA in developing tourism in the Kingdom.

“The Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards, for the fourth year, has proven to be a perfect measure for excellence in the tourism and accommodation sectors, and a means to recognize the efforts of excellent people who are devoting themselves to improving services and facilities in the Kingdom. Many of them are in fact customers of American Express in the Kingdom.”

Majed bin Ali Al-Sheddi, director general of information and public relations at the SCTA and editor in chief of the Saudi Voyager and Terhal magazines, welcomed the sponsorship because it would help develop the industry.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/537151

Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light)







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#3778 [Permalink] Posted on 10th March 2014 04:27

 

Temporary Mataf: Lower level not open yet

looks like 2 bridges are ready

9 March 2014





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#3779 [Permalink] Posted on 10th March 2014 05:17

 

Madinah







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#3780 [Permalink] Posted on 10th March 2014 05:18
 
Makkah hotel industry posts sustained growth


Elaf Group plans a new hotel in Makkah Al Mokarrama
10 March 2014 - 9 Jumada Al-Awwal 1435 H

MAKKAH – The city of Makkah Al Mukarramah has expressed confidence in continuing to enjoy steady business growth—further bolstered by the thriving presence of convenient room occupancy rates. In fact, the city has witnessed an influx of new hotels, including leading hotel brands, offering more hotel rooms to meet the demand for pilgrims coming to visit Makkah for their annual Haj and Umrah. Looking to play its part in the religious tourism segment’s continued growth, the Elaf Group of Companies has leased a new hotel located in the heart of the city.

According to the company’s senior executives, the “Elaf Al Salam” will soon be opened and is expected to enjoy healthy occupancy during the Haj and Umrah seasons. The hotel is located in the Rai Baksh area and is only 1800 meters away from the “Masjid Al Haram” in Makkah. The hotel’s ambiance represents a successful combination of luxury and grandeur along with the finest services and amenities that the Elaf brand is known for. Hotel guests can enjoy their stay in any of the 275 rooms that feature state-of-the-art equipment and modern amenities.

Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, CEO, Elaf Group, said “the city of Makkah continues to enjoy business stability, further reinforced by the vibrant religious tourism segment as more and more tourists come for their annual Haj and Umrah pilgrimage. Rest assured that we are also looking at adding hundreds of new rooms to meet this demand. As such, our new hotel, the ‘Elaf Al Salam’ will provide these pilgrims with a comfortable and secure stay.”

The “Elaf Al Salam” Hotel is part of the company’s move to increase its number of hotel rooms in order to accommodate the increasing flow of tourists visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Elaf Group remains committed in offering the best hospitality services according to international best practices in support of the Saudi General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities. The company has also expressed its commitment in helping the authority in achieving sustainable tourism development while also reinforcing the Kingdom’s position on the world tourism map.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140310198127
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