Makkah News and Updates

Monday 5 May 2014

The Haj Ministry recently announced that “mutawwifeen” (Arabic for men who help pilgrims perform the pilgrimage) may soon be obliged to wear traditional robes to make them stand out from the crowd in every sense of the word.

These robes, which were worn in the past, give these officials a more prestigious ranking, the ministry said in a press statement.

The ministry also intends to train several qualified heads, deputies and field members to become pilgrim guides.

The ministry said it has introduced a comprehensive book on Haj and Umrah pilgrimage, chosen from among more than 3,500 books on the subject.

The book summarizes the four Islamic schools of thought and has been circulated among field service offices to enhance guidance.

Such training courses, discussion meetings and seminars play an important role in developing the capabilities of the “mutawwifeen,” the ministry said.

“Such training courses have been implemented in line with enhancing capabilities at the Grand Mosque and to group pilgrims during peak hours to ensure safety,” said the ministry.

More than 345 “mutawwifeen” participated in recent training courses held in Makkah.

The training courses were held in coordination with “tawafa” (pilgrimage) establishments and the Haj Ministry and included four meetings that brought together heads and deputies who were on duty during the last Haj season.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/565951

Monday 5 May 2014

The influx of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from all over the world is indicated in the large numbers of devotees flocking to the country of the Two Holy Mosques ahead of Ramadan.

Arab News met with a group of Tunisian pilgrims at the site of the Battle of Ohod to talk about their experience. One of the Tunisian pilgrims, Mohammed Ali, said this was the first time he had come for Umrah. “I am really happy at being able to visit Makkah and Madinah and be at the Prophet’s mosque,” he said. He added that he had not faced any difficulties while in the Kingdom and that he was enjoying every minute of his stay here. “I also visited the archaeological and historical sites in Madinah,” he said. He also lauded the services provided by the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

He said that the trip cost him approximately 1,500 euros inclusive of travel, subsistence housing and transportation costs.

He was accompanied by his colleague, Abdulrahman Hassan, who said that it was also his first time to come to the Kingdom to perform Umrah. “I feel blessed to be able to be in the city of Al-Mustafa (peace be upon him),” he said and praised the expansion project of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and in Madinah noting that it would greatly ease the congestion in the holy sites during the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/565871

Tuesday, 06 May 2014

JEDDAH — Panasonic has introduced the Shattaf Mahmoul personal portable shower exclusively in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the destination of all Muslims.

The Shattaf Mahmoul was developed by Panasonic following market research which revealed a number of concerns among the public, such as water not being always available, especially on road trips and after outdoor activities. There was also concern about public sanitary facilities being used by large numbers of people and also the absence of cleanliness facilities in places abroad.

As a result of the research findings, Panasonic developed Shattaf Mahmoul to facilitate personal hygiene whenever required.

“This innovative product is a must for travelers and people on the go,” said Takahiro Kiyama, Panasonic Marketing ME&AF, Saudi Office, Director. “With a smart modern design it’s easy to fit in hand baggage and can be used to freshen up anytime, anywhere.”

Shattaf Mahmoul is the perfect size to fit in any hand bag, allowing individuals to carry their own shower for perfect cleanliness. Furthermore, since the Shattaf Mahmoul is battery operated there is no need to worry about a power source. For the water source, the Shattaf Mahmoul can be fitted to major type of plastic water bottle in the world, using the universal adaptor provided.

Shattaf Mahmoul can be used on various occasions including (Ablution) Wudu, long distance travel at home or abroad, and after outdoor activities. It can also be used safely for baby care, for the elderly and for people with special needs(Also such as people who needs frequent visit to bathroom).

Shattaf Mahmoul is made in Japan and, as with all Panasonic products, there is no compromise on product quality and durability.

Panasonic expects Shattaf Mahmoul to become a "must have” item in their daily lives, especially in extremely hot climates such as we experience in Saudi Arabia, Shattaf Mahmoul will be available in the Saudi market from this month through Alesayi Electronics Co., Ltd.

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products, components and devices, consumer products and innovative solutions.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140506204143

Tuesday 6 May 2014

The authorities have intensified inspection campaigns in the holy city of Makkah with the aim to provide pilgrims and visitors quality accommodation and facilities.

The campaigns are being conducted by the SCTA in coordination with the Ministry of Haj. “We have conducted 1,262 inspections in the holy city so far to ensure that pilgrims have access to high quality accommodation,” Mohammed A. Al-Amri, director general of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiques told Arab News on Monday.

“The hospitality sector is important for pilgrims where the SCTA is playing a major role by ensuring that the Guests of Allah have a comfortable stay and avail the best facilities in the holy city,” Al-Amri said.

The SCTA is slapping fines on errant firms ranging from SR4,000 to SR25,000 and is also taking into consideration the number of repeated offenses by hotels or furnished apartments.

Al-Amri said that the SCTA has closed 41 hotels in Makkah recently for operating without a license. “The commission has booked 235 cases against erring firms in the holy city in the past month alone,” he informed.

“However, the SCTA is not pressing the quality standard criterion on waqf (endowment) properties where pilgrims are accommodated free of cost,” the official clarified. Al-Amri said that in such facilities, the SCTA is only ensuring that they have approvals from the municipality and civil defense department.

He said that there are currently 649 hotels with 14,076 rooms operating in Makkah which need to be monitored constantly for compliance with quality standards. “Another 14 hotels are expected to be operational by next year to receive guests in the holy city,” Al-Amri said.

He also said that the SCTA is working strategically to boost investments in the hospitality sector in the holy city. “The Bwab Al-Makkah project is the first venture of its kind being launched in Makkah where the SCTA is working to attract investments,” Al-Amri informed adding that the project will embody the heritage of 57 Islamic nations.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/566181

5 May 2014

Experiment has been carried out and doing fire and rescue, evacuation, and medical screening at the site and the transfer of a group of cases caused by an injury presumed to hospitals by ambulance and the Red Crescent.

http://www.alriyadh.com/933175
http://www.alriyadh.com/933293

 

 

Anjum looks to bring Saudi touch to Makkah hotels

Set to open next month

Thursday, 08 May 2014

TAIF — The summer resort of Taif is on its way to becoming the third gateway to the Kingdom for pilgrims and visitors after Jeddah and Madinah. An international airport will be established in the city as part of services being extended to the guests of God.

According to a statement issued by the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), the airport will receive Haj and Umrah flights and will boost economic and tourist activities in the region.

GACA said the airport will be constructed according to the most modern international standards and specifications. It also said the contract to build the airport will be signed with the winning bidder during the first half of next year.

"The new airport will enhance the airline seat capacity, serve vacationers from inside the Kingdom and abroad and will enhance the competition to serve the local and international passengers," it said.

GACA said its board of directors has approved the construction of the airport through the BOT (build, operate and transfer) system. It said the board also started the contractual procedures with the International Financing Corporation (IFC), the consulting arm of the World Bank, to participate in the preparation of the blueprint of the project and its offering for bidding to the private sector.

The airport, to be built in Al-Mahla area, east of the Taif region, will be only an hour away from the Grand Mosque.

GACA spokesman Khaled Khaibary said the new airport will create job opportunities for Saudi citizens.

He said a number of other airports are being offered for execution or are under the designing stage. They included King Abdullah Airport in Jazan, Prince Naif Airport in Qassim and Abha International Airport.

He said new airports were recently opened in Najran, Tabuk, Yanbu and Al-Ula.

Meanwhile, Makkah Emir Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah will open a function to mark celebration of Taif being chosen the Arab summer capital on Tuesday.

Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), will attend the function, which will be held at the Historic Souk Okaz Tent.

Muhammad Al-Shahri, spokesman for the Makkah governorate, said a wide variety of cultural programs, including folklore dances, display of fireworks, and a fair of craftsmen and women will be held as part of the celebrations.

Prince Mishal will also open the 10th Taif Rose Festival at King Faisal Model Garden at Hawiyyah and attend the graduation ceremony of 5,000 students of Taif University.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140508204394

Thursday, 8 May 2014

MADINAH — An elevator in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah malfunctioned due to excessive weight, trapping 10 women inside.

Madinah Civil Defense spokesman Col. Khalid Al-Jehani said an elevator unit lowered the elevator and successfully freed the trapped women. He added that one woman suffered from suffocation and was taken to hospital. No other injuries were reported.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140508204387