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#4021 [Permalink] Posted on 17th May 2014 19:58
 
Algiers - Boarding of pilgrims to Makkah

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#4022 [Permalink] Posted on 17th May 2014 20:03
 
Makkah in focus as MERS spreads

 
Saturday 17 May 2014

The World Health Organization reported on Friday new cases of laboratory-confirmed MERS coronavirus cases in Jordan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, UAE and the US.

Two confirmed cases of the virus in the Netherlands and in the US had a travel history to the Kingdom. The other victims of the virus numbered nine in the UAE, one more in Jordan and one new case in Lebanon.

Beginning Sunday, passengers arriving in Singapore from MERS affected countries in the Middle East will have their temperatures checked at the Changi airport.

In the Kingdom, three deaths, one each in Riyadh, Jeddah and Taif and six new cases, two each in the same places were reported. The death toll has reached 163.

Officials are concerned that not enough is being done to prevent Makkah from becoming a route for exporting the MERS coronavirus as millions from around the world converge on the holy city to perform Umrah and Haj.

“Makkah is a location for people from all over the world with all kinds of problems that could be spread all over,” said Adnan Al-Bar, a member of the Shoura Council, AP reported.

Only one medical facility in Makkah — the King Abdullah Medical City — is equipped to handle MERS cases, according to Ismail Mohammed, the director-general of a hospital in the city.

“Makkah is almost considered to be free” of the virus, he told AP. But he warned steps have to be taken to ensure it remains so. Government policies have largely been reactive; greater patient education is needed; and there is still no “overall orientation (of anti-MERS policy) toward the pilgrims.”

The Haj Ministry’s website, which many international pilgrims refer to for information, makes no mention of MERS or special precautions. The Health Ministry’s website, however, advises people over 65, children under 12 and those who are ill to delay their pilgrimage.

So far Makkah has seen fewer cases than other parts of Saudi Arabia.
As the number of cases rises in the Kingdom, the concern is that there are not enough precautions being taken in Makkah, a potential hotspot for spreading the disease.

Jeddah reported an 80-year-old male suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease and a 35-year-old female, who developed fever and diarrhea on May 13.

In Taif, both the newly infected were women of 67 and 48 years of age and the former, who was a severe diabetic and hypertension patient, passed away in a government hospital.

The two women who died in Jeddah and Riyadh were 53 and 57 respectively.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/572111



Airports step up alert to keep MERS away


This image, provided by Denver International Airport, shows newly-erected
signs warning travelers about the danger of the MERS virus.
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#4023 [Permalink] Posted on 17th May 2014 20:19
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#4024 [Permalink] Posted on 17th May 2014 20:25
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#4025 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:30
 
Prince Faisal stresses high quality services for pilgrims
 
Sunday 18 May 2014

Prince Faisal bin Salman, Madinah governor, said that the outstanding success of the construction projects in the Prophet’s city should be accompanied by a qualitative leap in the humanitarian treatment of the visitors to Madinah.

He was speaking during the launch of a training program for government employees dealing directly with citizens, residents and visitors. The program was launched by the province’s governorate in cooperation with the Islamic University.

The governor witnessed the launching procedures, and the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the university and entities that benefit from the program. These include the Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque, the branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Education Ministry, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the branch for the Ministries of Commerce and Health Affairs, the branch for the Ministry of Haj, the police, traffic, passports and civil defense departments, special emergency forces, road security department, Adilla private establishment and the branch of Saudi Arabia Airlines.

The program points to the governor’s concern about providing high quality services to citizens, residents and visitors. The program also aims to take care of Madinah’s visitors from the minute they arrive in the Prophet’s city until their departure.

Dr. Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Sanad, dean of the Islamic University, thanked the governor for his faith in the University by assigning it the implementation of the program. The program aims to raise the competency and ability of the trainees, and equip them with the needed skills for dealing with beneficiaries.

In other news, Prince Faisal bin Salman will also preside over a ceremony to honor the winners of the international competition for designing the Qur’an Oasis project, which has been launched by the Madinah Development Authority. The ceremony will be attended by local and international specialists who represent global experience in related fields.

The ceremony will evaluate the projects and nominate the best ideas, in addition to launching a complete exhibition for the award that will last for one month.

Dr. Talal bin Abdulrahman Al-Raddadi, secretary general of the Madinah Development authority explained the idea behind the Qur’an Oasis project. He said a royal decree had been issued two years ago to establish this project in Madinah. A committee was formed to study the proposal which was suggested by Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

The committee decided to assign the Madinah Development Authority, a special team from the SCTA, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and the Madinah Municipality with this task.

He said the commission initiated an international competition for the designs, and drafted a booklet about the rules and regulations of the competition, that included major architects specialized in this field.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/572546
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#4026 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:31
 
Malaysian pilgrims bike their way into Makkah

Journey has been smooth except at borders,
riders say after crossing 12 countries



Route map

May 15, 2014

Manama: A group of Malaysians who biked their way from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah in Saudi Arabia have garnered praise for their feat.

The 12 men left the Malaysian capital two months ago and made their way on eight motorbikes and a small van across 12 countries with stops in 53 cities.

Many Malaysians gathered at the hotel to welcome them following the long journey. The group leader said that he had made the same trip on three occasions, local news site Sabq reported on Thursday.

The group said that the ride was mostly smooth and that the only serious problems they encountered were at the borders of the countries they crossed.

They added that every time they crossed into another country, the Malaysian embassies had to come forward to facilitate their entry.

“It was mostly precautionary measures by the guards at the borders,” they said.

The team leader said that the main purpose of the 60-day ride was to perform Umrah in Makkah.

“We also wanted to see other countries on our way,” he added.

The team will head to Makkah, around 420 kilometres south of Madinah, on Friday. They will then move on to Jeddah, the Red Sea port city, their last stop.

The report did not say whether they would ship their bikes and fly to Kuala Lumpur or ride the long way home.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-...kkah-1.1333095

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#4027 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:33
 
Pilgrims in UAE ignore Mers advisory

Rush for Umrah continues despite virus threat

By Mahmood Saberi, Senior reporter
12 May 13, 2014 - Gulf News

Dubai: Muslims in the UAE are ignoring the advice by Saudi Arabia that the elderly and the very young should not travel to Makkah for Umrah this year, say pilgrimage operators.

The crowd of pilgrims is building up as Ramadan is just a month away and starts on June 28, say operators who are already sending hundreds of people for Umrah.

Every week fleets of buses are leaving the UAE from various emirates to Saudi Arabia. The operators also send hundreds more pilgrims on weekly flights from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Umrah, also known as the minor pilgrimage, can be performed any time of the year.

Jaffar Seddiq of Al Shahba Haj and Umrah in Deira, Dubai, said he is presently processing passports of families that include children for the minor pilgrimage.

“People are worried but not afraid,” he said, when asked if he has noticed any drop in the number of pilgrims this year over fears about the Mers Coronavirus (Mers-CoV).

An Arab woman said no Muslim will heed the advice. “It is our duty to perform Haj and the elderly cannot wait for the virus to disappear,” she said. However, she said people should heed advice to delay going on umrah, as it can be performed at any time.

The Saudi advisory includes children under seven years of age, pregnant women, and the elderly whose immunity is compromised, which means those suffering from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases.

The Ministry of Health in the UAE has not issued any advisory and Umrah operators say they have not received any circular from either the health or the Haj authorities.

But the UAE ministries are following the advice of the Saudi health ministry to curtail travel this year.

Abdul Rauf, a pilgrimage operator at Al Yarmook Umrah and Haj in Abu Dhabi, said the Mers advisory has not affected anyone. The operator said people in this part of the UAE have also been affected by the virus.

Mers has claimed the lives of more than a hundred people in Saudi Arabia since it emerged in 2012

Government authorities and international health experts are to meet in Geneva to decide whether the virus is a “public health emergency of international concern”.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/he...sory-1.1331999
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#4028 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:36
 
Madinah New Airport
__________________

Governor of Madinah emphasizes the need to speed
the completion of the new international airport
Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz


أمير منطقة المدينة المنورة يؤكد ضرورة سرعة استكمال مشروع
مطار الأمير محمد بن عبدالعزيز الدولي الجديد وتشغيله



Madinah new airport Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz
 

المدينة المنورة 19 رجب 1435 هـ الموافق 18 مايو 2014 م واس
أكد صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير فيصل بن سلمان بن عبدالعزيز أمير منطقة المدينة المنورة ضرورة سرعة استكمال مشروع مطار الأمير محمد بن عبدالعزيز الدولي الجديد وتشغيله في الوقت المحدد، لمواكبة النمو الكبير في أعداد زوار المدينة وقاصدي المسجد النبوي .

جاء ذلك في تصريح لسموه خلال تفقده اليوم لسير المشروع، حيث اطلع سموه على وحدات المشروع التي تم تنفيذها حتى الآن.

كما اطلع سموه على مجسم المشروع , واستمع لشرح من مدير عام مطار الأمير محمد بن عبد العزيز الدولي بالنيابة المهندس محمد الفاضل، الذي أوضح أن نسبة إنجاز المشروع بلغت 83% ، ومن المتوقع الانتهاء من مرحلته الأولى في يناير 2015م ، مبيناً أن طاقة المطار الاستيعابية بعد تشغيل المرحلة الأولى ستبلغ 8 ملايين مسافر سنوياً.

وأفاد أن خطة تنفيذ المراحل اللاحقة للمشروع تتضمن البدء في تنفيذ المرحلة الثانية لتصل الطاقة الاستيعابية 14 مليون مسافر متى ما استنفذت الطاقة الاستيعابية للمرحلة الأولى, وكذلك المرحلة الثالثة , حيث سترتفع الطاقة الاستيعابية للمطار الدولي لتصل لـ27 مليون مسافر.

كما ناقش سموه مع مهندسي المشروع بعض الجوانب الفنية .
وفي ختام الزيارة التقطت الصور التذكارية لسموه مع العاملين في المشروع.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/readsinglenews...33652&scroll=1

Google translation: Medina 19 Rajab 1435 AH corresponding to May 18, 2014 , SPA

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah region need to speed completion of the airport , Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz, the new international and running on time , to keep pace with the significant growth in the number of visitors to the city Cassidy and the Prophet's Mosque.

This came in a statement to his day inspecting the progress of the project , where Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the project and the units that have been implemented so far.

He also briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the stereo project , and listened to the explanation of the Director General of the airport , Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport on behalf of Mohamed Fadhel , who pointed out that the percentage of completion of the project amounted to 83% , is expected to finish its first phase in January 2015 , noting that the Energy airport capacity after The first phase will run eight million passengers a year .

He reported that the implementation of the plan subsequent phases of the project include starting the implementation of the second phase to reach the capacity of 14 million passengers when it exhausted the capacity of the first phase , as well as the third phase , which will increase the capacity of the international airport for up to 27 million passengers .

He also discussed his project engineers with some technical aspects.
At the end of the visit posed for photos with the Prince working on the project.



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#4029 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:38
 
Egypt

25% cancellations of pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia
due to MERS: ETF board member


Tourist companies fear effect of coronavirus
on Egyptians performing Umrah during Ramadan



25% of pilgrimages have been cancelled, according to Egyptian Tourism Federation
May 19, 2014

Cancellations of pilgrimages from Egypt to Saudi Arabia due to the coronavirus, also known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), have exceeded 25%, according to Seif Al-Imari, board member of the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF).

The chairman of the Economic Chamber of Tourism Companies, Basil Al-Sisi, confirmed on Sunday a decline in bookings of pilgrimages, but expects numbers to be stable throughout Ramadan. “The virus will not affect turnout for the Umrah [pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina] during the months of Shaban and Ramadan,” Al-Sisi said.

“The number of large Umrah packages has remained strong over the past few days. Cancellations because of the coronavirus will not affect the high cost programmes, which represent a very small number of the annual visitors,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Adel Heikal, member of the Chamber of Tourism Companies, said he does not expect cancellations of overall bookings in high-cost programs due to the coronavirus to exceed 5%.

According to the chamber, Egyptians performing Umrah is the principal activity for tourist companies in Egypt over the past three years given low incoming tourist traffic. The Ministry of Tourism noted that Egyptian tourism generated $1.3bn in revenue during the first quarter of 2014, a 43% drop compared to the same period last year.

“720,000 pilgrims visited Saudi Arabia over the past six months, a 10% growth rate from the same period last year,” Al-Sisi said.

The Chamber of Tourism Companies issued a publication to its members concerning the coronavirus. It detailed about educating travelers about the symptoms of the virus and ways to prevent infections, such as the use of disinfectants, wearing medical masks and maintaining personal hygiene.
Tourism companies are abiding the instructions of the Ministry of Health not to allow those over the age of 65 or under 15 to perform Umrah in order to avoid contracting the virus.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will not allow more than 200,000 Egyptian pilgrims during the months of Shaaban and Ramadan, according Al-Sisi. “The number of pilgrims expected during Ramadan ranges from 100,000 to 120,000,” he said.

“The growing number of pilgrims over the coming two months will push demand for Umrah programs, especially during Ramadan, which will include a price rise of approximately 10% from the season before,” Al-Sisi continued.
The prices for Umrah packages of 7-10 days, including flight, during this month range from EGP 3,500 to EGP 7,000. Packages of 10-15 days during Ramadan range between EGP 6,000 and 10,000.

Adel Heikal attributed the rise in prices for Umrah packages to the rise in exchange rate of the Saudi riyal versus the Egyptian pound, particularly in light of the dollar-pound exchange rate, that exceeds 7.14 pounds per dollar.

http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/0...r/#dnePhoto/0/
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#4030 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:39
 
Makkah mountain district undeveloped for 40 years


Al-Sayedah Mountain neighborhood near the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Tuesday, 20 May 2014

MAKKAH — For the last four decades residents of the Al-Sayedah Mountain area, located behind Al-Milah Cemetery near the Grand Mosque, have been waiting for authorities to develop their neighborhood.

The neighborhood alleys are small and narrow and accumulated rubbish all around as the municipality garbage trucks cannot get easily there due to steep roads. Mosquitoes can be found everywhere, and recently residents have become more scared of falling rocks.

The latest problem arose after a company executed some excavation works on the mountain a few years ago.

Ahmad Musa, 70, a long-time resident of the neighborhood, said it took him three years to build his small house.

He said: “It was very difficult to get the construction material up to where I built my house.
“The closest street to me is 200 feet away.

“That’s why it took me so long to complete the house construction.”

Mikhrash Atiyah has lived at the top of the mountain for three decades.

He said he suffers a lot when he has to go down and run errands because he has to go on foot.

The only solace for him is the proximity of the Grand Mosque, which is one kilometer away from his home.

Muhammad Al-Zahrani said Makkah Municipality paved a mountainous road few years ago to help the residents get up and down the mountain easily.

However, no fences were put up alongside the road, which could prove to be dangerous as a vehicle might fall off if the driver loses control.

Al-Zahrani said: “There are people living down the mountain.

“God forbid, if a car falls from the top of the mountain, it will fall on the houses down there.”

Hassan Atiyah has to carry his disabled daughter on his back to the car every time he has to take her to the hospital and has been doing this for the last 17 years.

“It’s very difficult to get around on foot here, let alone carrying your daughter.

“I don’t know how long I will be able to continue doing it.”

The list of problems the residents suffer does not end there.

When the neighborhood has a water shortage during seasons like Ramadan and Haj, residents cannot get a tanker to deliver water to them because no driver will agree to take the risk of going to Al-Sayedah Mountain.

In this case residents have to hire workers to carry water gallons to the top of the mountain, costing them a lot of money.

High-voltage electric wires continue to lay uncovered in some parts of the neighborhood and pose a great danger to children in particular.

Recently a child was electrocuted after touching one of the wires.

Usama Zaytouni, Makkah Municipality spokesman, says they have plans to develop all unplanned neighborhoods in Makkah, including Al-Sayedah Mountain.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140520205734


Makkah panorama


 
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#4031 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2014 17:45

General statistics

of the Umrah season 1435/2014



Until 18 Rajab 1435 - 17 May 2014

Total Number of the Mutamirs:

4,582,369
______________________________________
Number expected for the whole Umrah season
6,000,000

* 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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#4032 [Permalink] Posted on 21st May 2014 15:08

 

King Abdul Aziz Gate

Green & Gold painting completed

19 May 2014



Before



Compare the progress...

14 May 2014 - Mataf expansion Phase 2



one year ago ...

23 May 2013 - Mataf expansion Phase 1

 
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#4033 [Permalink] Posted on 21st May 2014 15:10
 
Talgo begins manufacturing
the first trains for AVE Mecca-Medina


Talgo empieza a fabricar los primeros trenes
para el AVE La Meca-Medina


Google translated from Spanish:

MADRID, 20 ( EUROPA PRESS ) 20 May 2014

Talgo has begun manufacturing the first units of the 35 high speed trains that provide tools to exploit the Mecca -Medina AVE in plants in Madrid and has Rivabellosa (Álava ) , according to the group.

The rail manufacturer is incorporating these units AVE special elements that can adapt to temperatures up to 55 degrees and sandstorms that occur in the desert of Saudi Arabia for the trains that will run .

Talgo train made ​​a presentation which will provide for the Arab AVE in Jeddah , in the framework of the official visit to King Juan Carlos has made the country accompanied by several ministers and a group of companies .

The train manufacturer is part of the consortium of public and private companies in late 2011 the AVE Mecca -Medina, the largest contract ever accomplished was awarded abroad . The company, in addition to providing the trains, will be responsible for subsequent maintenance for twelve years.

As for the AVE trains, Talgo reported that manufacturing incorporated the so-called ' desert package ' , which includes a number of solutions installed in vehicles in order to "turn the train in a virtually watertight compartment in front of the sand and high temperatures "of the country .

Thus, the train will have a design that will prevent abrasion effect , which involves placing a special protection on windows and other exterior areas and improved paints and coatings.

In addition , will have refrigeration and air conditioning to ensure high power in trains lower temperatures than in European environments.

SEALED TO DUST

To prevent the entry of dust and sand in the train systems and inside , the vehicles have improved sealing systems in the mechanical elements (doors, refrigeration and rolling , etc.) and systems filter . Furthermore, the speed train will have a internal overpressure to prevent ingress of air and dust from the outside.

The desert AVE Talgo factory will also be the lightest of its type train , as will occur in aluminum and have a minimum weight, " reduced power consumption and high acceleration capacity ."

The Talgo train has capacity to carry 417 passengers , divided into two classes, and also has a cafe area . In a statement , the maker highlighted the scale of the interior spaces and their design, " Reflecting the Saudi culture ."



Original text in Spanish: MADRID, 20 (EUROPA PRESS)

Talgo ha comenzado a fabricar las primeras unidades de los 35 trenes de Alta Velocidad que suministrará para explotar el AVE La Meca-Medina en las plantas que tiene en Madrid y en Rivabellosa (Álava), según informó el grupo.

El fabricante ferroviario está incorporando a estas unidades del AVE elementos especiales para que puedan adaptarse a las temperaturas de hasta 55 grados y a las tormentas de arena que se registran en la zona de desierto de Arabia Saudí por las que circularán los trenes.

Talgo realizó una presentación del tren que suministrará para el AVE árabe en Yeddah, en el marco de la visita oficial que el Rey don Juan Carlos ha realizado al país acompañado de un varios ministros y un grupo de empresas.

El fabricante de trenes forma parte del consorcio de empresas públicas y privadas que a finales de 2011 se adjudicó el AVE La Meca-Medina, el mayor contrato logrado nunca en el extranjero. La empresa, además de aportar los trenes, se encargará de su posterior mantenimiento durante doce años.

En cuanto a los trenes AVE, Talgo informó de que en su fabricación incorporarán el denominado 'paquete desértico', que engloba una serie de soluciones instaladas a bordo de los vehículos con el fin de "convertir el tren en un compartimento prácticamente estanco frente a la arena y a las altas temperaturas" del país.

Así, el tren tendrá un diseño que evitará el efecto de abrasión, que supone colocar una protección especial en ventanas y otras zonas exteriores y pinturas y recubrimientos mejorados.

Además, contará con equipos de refrigeración y de aire acondicionado de alta potencia para garantizar dentro de los trenes temperaturas más bajas que en los entornos europeos.

SELLADO ANTE EL POLVO.

Para evitar la entrada de polvo y arena en los sistemas del tren y en su interior, los vehículos cuentan con una mejora de los sistemas de sellado en los elementos mecánicos (puertas, equipos de refrigeración y la rodadura, entre otros) y de los sistemas de filtros. Además, el tren AVE tendrá una sobrepresión interior para evitar la entrada de aire y polvo desde el exterior.

El AVE del desierto que fabrica Talgo será además el tren más ligero de su tipología, dado que se producirá en aluminio y tendrá así un peso mínimo, con "un reducido consumo de energía y alta capacidad de aceleración".

El tren de Talgo cuenta con capacidad para transportar a 417 pasajeros, distribuidos en dos clases, y tiene además una zona de cafetería. En un comunicado, el fabricante destacó la amplitud de los espacios interiores y su diseño, "reflejo de la cultura saudí".

http://noticias.lainformacion.com/ec...XheQMm8nGgPk1/
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#4034 [Permalink] Posted on 21st May 2014 15:17
 
Haj Ministry connects with pilgrims via social media
 
 

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Madinah’s Haj Ministry branch has launched an e-communication service on several social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, for the very first time.

The ministry’s branch has also provided a mobile number and a landline for addressing inquiries and complaints around the clock.

Muhammad Al-Beijawi, branch head, said the move comes as part of efforts to improve Haj and Umrah services in line with directives issued by Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar.

Hajjar had ordered the outsourcing of services to a consultancy commission that meets European standards of excellence to ensure quality services among pilgrims and visitors.

“Our branch in Madinah has embarked on several projects to improve services, not least of which include enhancing communication with visitors,” said Al-Beijawi.

“Comments and complaints can be made virtually anywhere, including at points of departure and arrival. Inspection teams continuously embark on ad hoc visits to hotels and apartments to ensure quality customer service.”

There is an increase in the number of pilgrims thanks to ongoing expansion projects at the Grand Mosque and airports and the implementation of the Haramain Expressway and other projects, he said.

Over 5 million Umrah visas have been issued since the beginning of the year, while 4.5 million people entered the country and 4.2 million left. There are an estimated 322,000 overstayers in the Kingdom.

Haj Ministry's Twitter account: @Hajmadina https://twitter.com/hajmadina

Facebook account: Hajmadina

E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.arabnews.com/news/574301

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#4035 [Permalink] Posted on 21st May 2014 16:17
 
Washing of the Kaaba on 1st Shaban
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Friday 1st Shaban 1435 / 30 May 2014

21 May 2014

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Prince Mishaal Bin Abdullah, Governor of Makkah Region, will have the honor of washing Kaaba on Friday 1st Shaban / 30 May 2014.






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