Makkah News and Updates

Monday 9 September 2013

The cost of a sheep for sacrifice during Haj has risen by SR40 to SR490.
The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is the only institution authorized to run the Adahi program overseeing animal sacrifice during Haj. A number of countries buy Adahi coupons from the IDB during Haj.

Apart from importing sheep and other livestock from traditional sources such as Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea, the Kingdom has started buying from Uruguay and Pakistan. It has also restored imports from Turkey and Australia.

According to sources, the IDB procures livestock from local traders who import from abroad. They say the prices are fair considering that sheep from Sudan and Somalia costs SR1,000 and SR600 respectively during the Haj season.

Due to rampant incidents of cheating and fraud many are opting for the IDB's program.

The slaughtered sheep meat is distributed in Saudi Arabia through 270 charity societies and 24 countries in Asia and Africa.

Veterinarians check the livestock thoroughly to ensure compliance with health regulations and Islamic law.

Coupons can be purchased online at www.adahi.org, or at Saudi Post offices, branches of Al-Rajhi Bank and other locations.

Last year, criminals from India created a fake website that claimed to be associated with the IDB and tried to collect money online. The fraud was uncovered and customers were warned by Indian officials.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/464011

10 September 2013

JEDDAH — The first group of 369 Pakistani pilgrims arrived at the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) here on Monday on a Shaheen Airlines Flight No. NLL 1101 from Lahore.

Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan and Consul General Aftab Khoker and other consulate staff received the pilgrims.

The number of pilgrims coming from Pakistan this Haj has been reduced to 143,368 from the expected quota of 179,210. This was the total number of pilgrims in 2012 — half in the government scheme and the rest through 726 Haj group operators (HGOs).

The agreement signed between the two governments in February 2013 was for an equal number this year. But in June 2013, the government of Pakistan was informed that in view of the ongoing expansion work in Makkah and Madinah, the quota of all the countries in the world had been reduced by 20 percent, according to Haj Director General Syed Akif.

But, by then, Pakistan’s Directorate General Haj had already procured accommodation for nearly 86,000 pilgrims; had the total quota been divided equally between the private and the government schemes, the share of the government would have come to 71,684 pilgrims, said Akif.

This would have posed many problems. Accordingly, after long negotiations conducted by a committee set up by the prime minister, an agreement was reached with the HGOs whereby the government would have a quota of 60% in 2013 and the excess quota used this year would be given to the HGOs in 2014. Thus the total number of government scheme pilgrims in 2013 would be 85,696 and the remaining 57,672 would come under 730 HGOs, said Akif.

For the government pilgrims, 125 buildings have been rented in three categories with the top category being availed by about 2,500 pilgrims, the next or middle category (Green) by about 7,000 and the vast majority of nearly 77,000 pilgrims in the White category for which the total cost is Pakistani rupees 285,000 to 295,000 (depending upon the city of embarkation).

All government scheme pilgrims can avail the facility of Mashaer train while vouchers for slaughtering animals are being procured from the Islamic Development Bank.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130910179930
Tuesday 10 September 2013

The first group of 419 Bangladeshi pilgrims arrived at the Haj Terminal in Jeddah on Saturday.

They were welcomed by Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammed Shahidul Islam, Consul General Mohammed Nazmul Islam and Haj Consul Mohammed Asaduzzaman. Around 100,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Haj this year. The first group was ferried by the country’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, from Dhaka.

Abdullah Muhammad Mirghalani, Haj director-general at the Ministry of Haj's Jeddah office, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present to greet the pilgrims.

Ambassador Islam asked pilgrims to follow local rules and regulations during their stay in Makkah and Madinah.

Islam said Biman and Saudi Arabian Airlines would transport Bangladeshi pilgrims this year. “There will be a total of 170 flights operated the two airlines,” he said, adding that the last flight carrying Bangladeshi Hajis would arrive on Oct. 9. Around 1,500 pilgrims will perform the annual pilgrimage under the management of the Dhaka government.

Islam said that a special administrative Haj delegation from the government had arrived in Jeddah prior to the arrival of the first group of pilgrims.

This year, Haj will cost Bangladeshi pilgrims around 300,000 takas (SR 14,524) under government management, while it will cost a minimum of 250,000 takas (about SR12,103) under private arrangements.

The package covers travel, meals and accommodation in both cities, he said, adding that other pilgrims would travel through accredited Haj operators.

Private travel operators offer a variety of packages for pilgrims. Accommodation in star-rated hotels cost pilgrims much more than the amount stipulated by the government, he said.

A medical team comprising 150 medics and paramedics will also arrive with the administrative delegation. “They will man Bangladeshi Haj clinics in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and at the Haj terminal,” Islam said.

The consul general said that his mission would operate administrative offices in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah to assist pilgrims. “We have hired a computer company to maintain a database for pilgrims so that they can be easily tracked down by relatives or friends,” Islam said.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/464122
Tuesday 10 September 2013

ndonesia has incurred losses of SR200 million for this year's Haj due to the 20-percent reduction in the quota of Haj pilgrims.

There were previously 211,00 registered pilgrims, of whom only 168,000 can now perform the pilgrimage.

Financial losses were sustained due to advance payments being made for accommodation and other logistical services for the original number of pilgrims.

This was revealed to Arab News by Syairozi Dimyathi, Indonesia's Haj consul, on Sunday.

Dimyathi said that the Indonesian government is fully engaged in Haj operations for its pilgrims, who are scheduled to arrive in Jeddah and Madinah from Tuesday.

He said that the first flight of Indonesian pilgrims will arrive from Jakarta to Jeddah on Tuesday and that another flight from Megan in Samutra Island will arrive in Madinah on the same day.

These pilgrims are finally being able to perform the Haj pilgrimage after waiting for seven to 10 years.

He said that 112,688 pilgrims would be transported by the national flag carrier, Garuda, and the remainder by Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Garuda will operate 295 flights from 10 embarkation points across different parts of the country. He said that 14 aircraft commissioned by Garuda for the transportation of pilgrims include 10 Airbus aircraft, three Boeing 747 and one Boeing 777.

The Indonesian consul said that his government is considering purchasing aircraft exclusively for the transportation of Haj pilgrims.

Syairozi also said that 155,000 pilgrims will perform Haj through the government's Haj committee, while 13,000 pilgrims have opted to perform the pilrimage through private tour operators.

The majority of pilgrims are women from the Java Island.
He also said that 3,250 personnel from various ministries, including the medical and health ministries, are being deployed by Jakarta to assist the pilgrims during Haj.

The consul said that Indonesia plans to use eight to 10 returning empty Garuda aircraft to repatriate stranded Indonesian nationals.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/464121

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Domestic pilgrim service providers have urged the Haj Ministry to take immediate steps to reduce the huge losses being suffered by them as a result of the ministry’s decision to reduce the number of domestic pilgrims by 50 percent this year.

They said about 23,000 employees, including Saudis, are likely to lose their jobs as a result of the decision. “Of course, we agree that public interest should be given priority to private interest. At the same time the ministry should not turn a deaf ear to our plight. Our losses have reached SR2 billion this year,” the owner of a Haj service company said.

Badr Jameel Al-Qurashi, an investor in the sector, said the ministry had reduced the number of domestic pilgrims by 66 percent instead of 50 percent, further hiking losses of some 206 Haj firms.

“This will force these companies to get rid of nearly 23,000 employees,” he pointed out.

Ahmed bin Humaid Al-Reeshi, whose company offers low-cost Haj services, said the number of companies providing Haj services at low cost has declined by 80 percent this year because the ministry was not providing any incentives for them. These companies charge service fees ranging between SR1,900 and SR3,900.

Mohammed Ahmed Badi, another investor, said about 60 companies have signed an agreement with the ministry pledging not to increase charges this year. They offer prices ranging between SR3,000 and SR10,000 per pilgrim. However, he pointed out that the ministry’s stance toward these firms was not encouraging.

Nasser Abdullah Al-Ahmary said Haj firms suffer losses worth SR40 million every year for arranging their tents. He urged the ministry to allocate tents to companies for three to five years to avoid these losses.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Saad Al-Quraishi, chairman of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah at the Makkah Chamber for Commerce and Industry, said: “There are more than 1,000 jobs for women and 1,500 for men. Every year, the Haj season provides job opportunities for Saudis in many areas to serve pilgrims. However, the government decision to reduce the number of pilgrims this year can be expected to affect the number of job opportunities on the market.”

Public and private business establishments covering the health, security, transportation, translations and IT domains hire Saudi men and women to serve pilgrims during the Haj season. Besides these core areas, several enterprising Saudis and expats also set up small businesses, providing food, beverages, transport and gift articles for pilgrims, which are profit-making ventures during the season.

The railway project in the holy cities could also provide more job opportunities for Saudis. There are 20 trains, each 300 meters in length with a capacity of 3,500 pilgrims per trip. The trains will transport about 72,000 pilgrims. Trains can transport 500,000 pilgrims from Makkah to Mina and from Mina to Arafat. In addition, this sector provides around 4,000 job opportunities for Saudis to work as security guards and administrators.

“The railway project in the holy cities will provide 2,000 jobs for Saudis. However, the transportation sector allows a flow of pilgrims only within the holy sites. Many Saudis prefer to offer transportation services within their own business,” Al-Quraishi told Arab News.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/464131

10 September 2013

MADINAH — Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Syed Omar Syed Mohamad Al-Saggaf, Consul General Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, deputy head of the Malaysian Haj delegation Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah and head of Adila Establishment Dr. Yusof Ahmad Hawala welcomed the first batch of 450 Malaysian pilgrims who arrived here on Saturday.

Addressing the media, Ambassador Syed Omar conveyed his government’s gratitude and deep appreciation for the excellent arrangements made by the Saudi government to receive the pilgrims.

The Saudi government, the ambassador said, has great respect for the Malaysian pilgrims due to their good manners and discipline.

The ambassador advised all Malaysian pilgrims to protect the good name and image of their country by adhering to the Kingdom’s rules and regulations.

Consul General Abdul Razak said a total of 22,320 pilgrims will perform Haj this year, 20 percent less than the last year.

While praising Saudi Arabia’s preparation and excellent arrangements despite the major expansion work to serve pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the consul general was confident that things will be back to normal would sufficient quotas provided to all when the the expansion projects are completed.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130910179929

10 September 2013

RIYADH — Over the past 16 years, the government has spent a total of SR25 billion on developing the holy sites, Dr. Habib Zain Al-Abideen, undersecretary in the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, has said. The implementation of all projects was smooth, he said.

Mina has not seen any fire accidents for 16 years while the Jamarat Bridge has not witnessed any stampede for eight years thanks to the strong infrastructure, he said.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130910179937

Tuesday 3rd September 2013

MUSLIMS in Worcestershire planning to join the pilgrimage to Mecca next month are being warned to be wary of bogus tour operators offering cheap trips.

West Mercia Police force’s economic crime unit Detective Inspector Mark Glazzard has issued the warning following a spate of incidents across the country in which pilgrims have been stung by rogue firms.

Every year the Hajj, a Muslim pilgrimage beginning on October 13 that must be completed by every able bodied Muslim who can afford to once in their lifetime, takes place and is the largest gathering of people in the world.

Now in the UK a nationwide campaign on Hajj fraud warning Muslims to be on their guard has also been launched by the City of London Police and is being supported by West Mercia.

Last year, there were 44 reports of fraud made to police, but the true scale of criminality is thought to be much greater.

DI Glazzard said: “We urge members of the public from our area intending to book a pilgrimage to take some simple steps to protect themselves from such fraud.

“Use reputable companies that are ATOL protected, check the details that are being provided, use secure payment methods and be wary of agreeing to any payment methods that appear unusual.

“If you suspect you or a relative have been the subject of a fraud or attempted fraud, please report the matter to Action Fraud, the national reporting agency on 0300 123 2040.”

Police also advise travellers to check if the tour company is accredited by the Saudi Embassy and to get all details in writing.

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/...ge_fraudsters/

Srinagar, Sep 9, 2013:

Hajjis leaving for Madinah had a tough time Monday as massive traffic jams were witnessed on the south City highway, which connects the Hajj House with Srinagar International Airport –mocking at the JK government claims of “special arrangements” to facilitate movement for the world’s biggest pilgrimage.

It was total chaos on the highway, which houses the Hajj House at Bemina. The entire 10-odd kilometer stretch from as far as Shalteng to Tengpora witnessed gridlocks, with people particularly those heading towards the Hajj House facing the worst.

As about the routine rush, thousands of people including office-goers and students couldn’t make it to their destinations in time.

THE PILGRIMS IN TROUBLE

Having lost precious hours in the jams, which started early morning, some of the pilgrims alighted out of the stranded vehicles and preferred to walk on foot to reach the Hajj House, from where they are taken to the airport in buses.

Khalid of Islamabad who had come to see-off his parents said they had to leave the vehicle halfway and rush on foot to the venue.
Finding the pilgrims walking towards the venue, some of the stranded people started showering choicest abuses on the ruling coalition.

“When this government could afford foolproof arrangements for the controversial Zubin Mehta concert, why couldn’t proper arrangements be put in place for the Hajjis? Or, have Kashmiris been taken for granted?” shouted an emotionally charged driver towards some Traffic Police cops, trying in futility to get rid of the mess.

The response too was instant. “Why are you people blaming us? Go and ask our higher-ups who while sitting in AC chambers devised the special traffic plan which failed on the ground, yet again,” replied the cop adding he was equally concerned towards the departure of revered pilgrims.

“We are not your enemies, but the decision of our superiors makes us look so. If you people are so courageous, go and ask them the cause of this mess,” he continued.

'REPEATING MISTAKE'

As if official memory is short-loved that every year since departure of pilgrims was started from the Hajj House in 2007, one of the two lanes of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway is reserved for their movement.

At Bemina crossing the lane towards the west, which hosts the Hajj House, some two kilometers away, is restricted for the movement of vehicles ferrying pilgrims.
But as the pilgrim movement coincides with the peak hour rush, it triggers chaos having cascading effect on all sides of the square, particularly the busy highway.

An official said security of the Hajj House, which is frequented by VIPs to greet departing pilgrims, was a main cause of keeping the highway lane closed for general public. “Otherwise what is the threat to Hajjis when every pilgrimage in Kashmir is peaceful?” he questioned.

Though the sealing of one of the two highway lanes has been a recurring cause of massive gridlocks, the government repeats the “mistake”, annually.
But every year, close to the departure of the final batches of pilgrims, the restriction is given up following massive public resentment. But this year the men-in-blue look reluctant.

TRAFFIC POLICE SPEAKS

Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Haseeb-Ur-Rehman who was seen personally making efforts to streamline traffic said the highway lane was dedicated to facilitate smooth movement of Hajjis.

“What happens is that each Hajji is accompanied by dozens of people in cars which ultimately affects the smooth traffic movement,” he said.
“Otherwise dedicating a highway lane for the pilgrims aims to make their movement hassle-free,” he said.

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2...s-again-61.asp

September 10, 2013

Indonesia’s first group of Hajj pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia today from a total of 10 staging posts across the country.

Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali and Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo presided over the departure ceremony at Pondok Gede Hajj boarding house in Jakarta.

The government released the first batch of 4,004 pilgrims from 10 departing points — Medan, North Sumatra; Batam, Riau Islands; Pondok Gede, Jakarta; Bekasi, West Java; Solo, Central Java; Surabaya, East Java; Makassar, South Sulawesi; Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara; Balikpapan, East Kalimantan and Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

Some 168,800 pilgrims will make the journey from Indonesia this year — 155,200 of whom will travel on regular tickets while 13,600 pilgrims have paid for a more luxurious spiritual experience.

There will, however, be fewer Indonesian mustati this year. Saudi Arabia took the decision to cut hajj quotas worldwide — Indonesia’s quota dropped by 20 percent — because of the considerable restoration and expansion work currently being undertaken at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

Due to the cut, some 42,200 Indonesian Muslims who were prepared to make the hajj will have to wait until next year.

“I apologize to those who could not go to Mecca this year,” Suryadharma said at the departure ceremony. “This is something that we did not expect, but we promise these [pilgrims] will be in our priority for next year.”

Groups of pilgrims from Indonesia travel to Saudi Arabia between Sept. 10 and Oct 9. They will return to Indonesia between Oct 19 and Nov. 4.

“I wish you all a safe trip,” Joko said to the pilgrims at the Pondok Gede Hajj boarding house.

Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Arabia Airlines are the only carriers licensed to fly pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the hajj, while all other transportation and accommodation arrangements are handled through the Religious Affairs Ministry.

Crowd control has proved a longstanding difficulty at the hajj — a stampede on the last day of the 2006 pilgrimage killed 346 people — but the emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a novel coronavirus that has killed more than 40 people in Saudi Arabia, has led Indonesia’s health ministry to prepare thermal scanners for returning pilgrims as part of its efforts to preclude the spread of the virus in the archipelago.

Tjandra Yoga Aditama, the health ministry’s director general for disease control and environmental health, said the Port Health Office had installed thermal scanners and prepared information for pilgrims as they depart for the Middle East.

“We remind all pilgrims to take sufficient rest, eat and drink well so they do not get dehydrated and keep a clean and healthy lifestyle,” he said. “We also recommend the use of face-masks during the pilgrimage.”

This year marks the first time that pilgrims from Jakarta, West Java, Lampung and Banten will begin their journey from Halim Perdanakusuma airport in East Jakarta.

Iwan Krishadianto, general manager of Halim airport said Angkasa Pura II — the operating company —had allocated Rp7 billion to support the hajj operation. Funds have been used to improve taxiway and apron lighting, as well as other support facilities, he said.

The Religious Affairs Ministry chose to use Halim airport instead of Soekarno-Hatta because the latter faces serious capacity issues and also because pilgrims have to arrive at least six hours before departure when using the capital’s main airport.

“Now, from Pondok Gede hajj boarding house it takes only 15 minutes to get to Halim Airport through special Air Force access road and 45 minutes from Bekasi without police escort,” he said.

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/...-virus-advice/

11 September 2013

JEDDAH — The first batch of 1,056 Thai pilgrims arrived in Jeddah on Saturday. Thai Consul General Chalee Sakolvari and other consulate officials gave a warm welcome to the pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport.

A total of 10,400 Thais are scheduled to perform Haj this year.

“Most of the pilgrims are from the southern part of Thailand. Therefore, every year chartered flights have been arranged by the government to facilitate and transport them from their domiciles.

“This year, Thai Airways International carried pilgrims from Hadyai and Narathiwat airports, Consul General Sakolvari said.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Saudi government and concerned authorities for their efforts in preparing and arranging everything to facilitate and welcome pilgrims from Thailand to enable them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort, Sakolvari added.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130911180049 11 September 2013

JEDDAH — The Saudi government’s decision to reduce each country’s quota of Haj pilgrims by 20 percent due to the huge expansion projects in Makkah and Madinah has ensured those performing the pilgrimage can do so safely, said Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan here on Monday.

After welcoming the first batch of pilgrims that arrived from Pakistan, Khan said he was optimistic that pilgrims from his country had a good opportunity to perform their rituals comfortably due to the reduced number of pilgrims.

Khan hoped that all pilgrims from Pakistan would concentrate on their pilgrimage and follow the rules and regulations of the Saudi government. He said the Haj Directorate in Jeddah would take care of the pilgrims in the holy sites.

He praised the job fairs to help members of the community correct their status in the country if they needed to and the Pakistan Heritage Show in Riyadh.

Khan said more fairs should be organized in the region and also in Madinah to help more people before a grace period for illegal workers to correct their status ends on Nov. 3.

The ambassador said with the participation of Pakistani community he would organize a program in Riyadh on Saudi National Day, which falls on Sept. 23, to celebrate Pakistan’s good relations with Saudi Arabia. He said details of the program would be announced soon.

Answering a question about the Pakistani International School in Riyadh, he said the school was facing a space problem and many students could not be accommodated.

Other Pakistani diplomats present at the event included Consul General Aftab A. Khokhar, Director General for Haj Syed Abu Akif and Press Consul Sohail Ali Khan, as well Pakistan Journalists Forum chief Amir Mohammed Khan.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130911180050

11 September 2013

MAKKAH — Residents in and around Makkah’s Al-Sudan Mountain claimed that they have been suffering from a lack of essential services for the past 50 years.

The mountain is only three kilometers away from the Grand Mosque and is difficult to access due to its rugged nature.

Ahmad Al-Kheraisi, a resident, said that there are various theories as to how the mountain got its name.

Some said a Sudanese man was the first to live on the mountain for a considerable period of time before returning to his country.

Others believe that a group of Al-Rashaydah tribe inhabited the mountain over 150 years ago when they came for Haj.

Ali Soroori, a local resident, said they suffer due to the rugged nature of the mountain and narrow roads.

The main road on the mountain is so narrow that only a car can drive on it at a time, causing a lot of inconvenience to motorists. He said many roads have become dirt-ridden because the asphalt has eroded and they have not been repaved for over two decades.

Nawwar Sulaiman, a resident, said the mountain is in dire need of a health center to cater for the young and elderly who find it difficult to get access to health care, let alone climb back up the mountain.

Masoud Al-Salman, another local resident, believes the area’s most pressing need is drinking water. He claimed that area gets potable water only once a month.

Residents have to order water tankers, but due to the narrow roads only small tankers can get through to the area.

In addition, abandoned houses on the mountain that are often occupied by residency law violators are also upsetting residents. These illegal residents, he said, carry out their illicit activities with impunity.

Residents atop the mountain have created their own walking paths that are only about two meters wide.

Some of these paths are about 300 meters long and are also frequented by cars to transport residents needing medical care.

When a fire breaks out on the mountain, residents assist Civil Defense teams in extending their fire hoses to the top.

Residents also said they hardly witness a security patrol on the mountain. Spokesman for Makkah Municipality Othman Mali said there are plans to provide services to residents.

He said the narrow roads make it difficult for municipality vehicles to provide services. He said the main road on the mountain cannot be widened as it is lined with private properties.Widening the road would require properties to be demolished and their owners adequately compensated, he said.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130911179984