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#4066 [Permalink] Posted on 28th May 2014 16:11

Fewer cases of MERS reported

''Cases are gradually declining''

The government is doing its best to prevent the spread of the MERS coronavirus.

Monday 26 May 2014

The Ministry of Health wound up its MERS coronavirus updates on Sunday with only four new cases and no deaths.

According to an official from the ministry, the cases are gradually declining due to timely actions taken by the ministry in containing the disease.

The new cases are those of three women aged 29, 25 and 45 and a 32-year-old man. Two of the female patients were from Qunfudah, while the 29-year-old woman is being treated at her home in Riyadh.

The man from Jeddah contracted the disease from a confirmed patient.

Two patients, a 39-year-old male and a 44-year-old female were discharged from a private hospital in Jeddah following full recovery.

Acting Health Minister Adel Fakeih launched a Kingdom-wide awareness campaign on coronavirus in Jeddah early this month.

The campaign was launched by the acting health minister in cooperation with the World health Organization (WHO).

“The government is doing its best to prevent the spread of the MERS coronavirus. Now we need the help of the public in implementing simple precautions to prevent the spread of the virus,” the minister said.

The minister said the public awareness campaign is to combat the virus and to empower the public with crucial up-to-date information required to play their part in fighting it.

The campaign encourages the public to take precautions against the spread of the virus.

The campaign, which will be rolled out over the coming weeks and promoted via different communication channels, such as videos and infographics at www.moh.gov.sa, will encourage people to practice good personal hygiene such as washing hands frequently with soap and water and using hand sanitizers; avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

People have been advised to take extra precautions with raw camel meat, liver and unpasteurized camel milk.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/576936

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#4067 [Permalink] Posted on 28th May 2014 16:12

Land Mark Bushra Hotel opens in KAIA

The first of its kind in the city of pilgrims

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

JEDDAH – King Abdulaziz International Airport Director General Abdul Hameed Bin Hammad inaugurates Land Mark Bushra Hotel, the first of its kind in the city of pilgrims since built and operated by Ports Management and Development, Bin Laden Group. The hotel has 117 rooms and suites accommodating up to 450 persons in addition to 6 royal suites and 6 executive suites.

The hotel also hosts lobby lounge, a café, a large restaurant for over 500 people and a laundry serving hotel guests.

Bin Hammad expressed his pleasure about the launch of the first hotel in the city of pilgrims, saying: “The hotel will serve pilgrims coming from and going to Makkah through the city terminal. It will also provide services to crews who require staying in airport for short whiles during Haj and Umrah.

The opening of the hotel in the city of pilgrims confirms keenness on alleviating all services provided at the Kingdom's airports, especially for pilgrims who get focus of the government in our blessed country.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140527206454

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#4068 [Permalink] Posted on 28th May 2014 16:13

For all UAE residents
____________________________

Face scan, fingerprint must for Haj,
Umrah pilgrims to Saudi from today

26 May 2014

Biometric enrollment has become mandatory for all visa applicants to Saudi Arabia from today (May 26, 2014).

All UAE residents, who are preparing to perform Hajj, Umrah or business visits, to Saudi Arabia will have to visit the centres of VFS Tasheel, the company mandated for managing and administrating the visa process, in the UAE to give their fingerprints and facial image when applying for a visa.

Saudi Arabia instituted biometric requirements in an effort to ease the travel process for individuals and the process is mandatory for people aged between 12 and 70 years of age.

“The whole process of giving one’s fingerprint and having a photograph taken will take not take more than three to five minutes,” Madhan Gopalakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, VFS Tasheel, said.

VFS Tasheel has been mandated to handle biometric enrollment services in 33 countries. The company has already started the service in Bahrain, Japan, South Korea, Netherland and Switzerland.

“The UAE is the sixth country to join the list. We will be rolling out the biometric system in a phased manner. The move is taken to ensure that the waiting period for pilgrims and visitors is reduced,” said Kannaiyan Shankear, Regional Head Operations - Middle East, VFS Tasheel.

Hajj and Umrah pilgrims will have to book an appointment with their travel agents, take an appointment online and then come for fingerprint and facial scan at the local centres.

All applicants are required to carry their original passports when coming to record their biometrics, which will involve a fee of Dh17.

“We have a total capacity to process 3,800 applications in the UAE, which is enough to meet the peak capacity during the period of Haj and Umrah,” Shankear added.

He disclosed that none of the information was stored by the company and was collected solely on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s software.

During the Haj and Umrah, VFS Tasheel processes 55,000 applications a month from the UAE. On a daily basis, the The company processes 1,000 “full purpose” visa, which are other than Haj and Umrah applications.

“The UAE stands fifth on the list of visa applications for Saudi Arabia with nearly 600,000 applications per year. Egypt takes the first place followed by Pakistan, Indonesia and Philippine,” said Raghu Athimooam, Chief Operating Officer, VFS Tasheel.

http://www.emirates247.com/news/regi...05-27-1.550301

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#4069 [Permalink] Posted on 28th May 2014 17:38

abu mohammed wrote:

View original post

About this incident, instead of punishing him, security guards should have a proper place to work

How can you stand on just very little place long hours? ... poor guy he has his face everywhere because he doesn't have a good place to stand!

Pic 1 - www.saudigazette.com.sa/myfiles/Images/2013/08/01/fp01_bi...
Pic 2 - fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1005694_53...

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#4070 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 17:37

No MERS effect on pilgrimage

Thursday, 29 May 2014

JEDDAH — Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar has refuted reports that a number of Muslim countries had banned their citizens from traveling to Saudi Arabia for Haj or Umrah because of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) which is caused by coronavirus.

“The virus has not had any adverse effect on the Umrah or Haj seasons,” he said.

The minister on Tuesday opened a workshop in Jeddah on the development of the ministry’s data applications on Haj locations in the holy sites and other Saudi towns and cities.

The workshop was titled: “Exchange of expertise and creativity.” “The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has provided all the required human, technical and financial resources to extend the best of services to the guests of Allah,” he said.

Al-Hajjar said the government spends billions of riyals every year on Haj services including the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah in addition to schemes covering the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

“These projects are aimed at making Haj an easy and comfortable experience,” he said.

He said the ministry is endeavoring to automate all its activities in order to boost the services being provided to pilgrims.

Al-Hajjar said the ministry has established a special unit for science and technology in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to upgrade its electronic system and ensure better services for pilgrims.

The ministry’s undersecretary, Suhail Al-Sabban, said the workshop was an illustration of the partnership between the various sectors involved in Haj services.

On its first day, the workshop discussed the geographical data of Makkah, Madinah, the holy sites and Jeddah to assess the accommodation available to pilgrims.

Al-Sabban said the tents for the accommodation of pilgrims in the holy sites were already delivered to the Tawafa establishments earlier this month.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140529206777

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#4071 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 17:38

Why many pilgrims take their shoes off in Makkah

Thursday, 29 May 2014

MAKKAH — Many Umrah pilgrims take off their shoes before entering Makkah out of respect for the sacredness of the city, Makkah daily reported.

An Egyptian pilgrim who took off his shoes when the driver of the bus he was traveling in, notified him that they were approaching Al-Shumaisi area, before the Haram boundaries, said he took off his shoes so that the sacred soil of Makkah would not cling to his shoes.

Mohammad Al-Masri, a pilgrim in his 60s, said Makkah has a great status and all Muslims should respect the city’s status and preserve its sacredness.

Sudanese pilgrim Yousef Al-Zubair said he prefers to enter Makkah barefoot so his feet can come into direct contact with the city's sacred soil. He added that when he is in Makkah, he does not raise his voice, and refrains from telling lies or engaging in other prohibited acts.

A Shariah expert said the sanctity of the holy city should be respected but taking off shoes is against Islamic teachings.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140529206688

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#4072 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 17:39

41,000 to benefit from low-cost Haj

Thursday 29 May 2014

Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar has warned domestic Haj service operators against increasing Haj service charges, adding that companies that impose exorbitant prices would be fined up to SR100,000.

“Monitoring panels have noticed that 52 companies have hiked prices during the last Haj season,” he said, adding that their cases have been transferred to a ministerial committee for punitive action.

He said punishment would include suspension of service for one Haj season or more, in addition to fines of up to SR100,000.

The ministerial committee took 125 decisions in 2013 to punish violators, Hajjar said, adding that 51 of these decisions were suspension of services and imposition of fines.

The minister hoped the new measures taken by the ministry, including early distribution of tents at Mina and Arafat four months ahead of Haj, would contribute to reducing service charges.

Saad Al-Qurashi, a member of the National Committee for Haj & Umrah, welcomed the measures and said they would contribute to reducing charges considerably. Speaking with Arab News, he said 241 domestic Haj firms would render services to 150,000 pilgrims from within the Kingdom. The number of domestic pilgrims has been cut by 50 percent due to ongoing expansion projects.

Al-Qurashi also disclosed that as many as 41,000 pilgrims would be able to enjoy low-cost Haj services this year, paying between SR2,500 and SR5,000. “This is much less than the prices charged last year,” he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/578506

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#4073 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 17:40

The arrest of the Black Stone guard

توقيف حارس الحجر الأسود

29 May 2014

أكد مصدر في قيادة قوة أمن الحرم المكي أن رجل الأمن الذي وضع قدمه قريبا من الحجر الأسود رهن التوقيف حتى انتهاء التحقيقات التي باشرتها معه لجنة مختصة أمس.

وأضاف المصدر في اتصال مع «مكة» أنه بحسب التحقيقات الأولية، فإن حارس الحجر الأسود أفاد أن وقوفه جاء دون شعور منه بسبب الإعياء والتعب، نتيجة تدافع الزوار، وأنه يعمل في الحرم منذ 4 سنوات لم يسبق تسجيل أي ملاحظة عليه، مستبعدا صدور قرار بطي قيده.

http://www.makkahnewspaper.com/makka...0#.U4apRHbm5sI

Google translation: A source in the leadership of the security force Grand Mosque in Mecca that the security man, who put his foot near the Black Stone in detention until the end of the investigations undertaken by an ad hoc committee with him yesterday.

The source added in connection with the «Mecca» that according to preliminary investigations, the keeper of the Black Stone reported that he stood came without feeling it because of exhaustion and fatigue, the result of a stampede of visitors, and it works on campus 4 years ago had never registered any note it, ruling out a decision Butti recorded.

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#4074 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 17:42

Qibla by Sun
________________________

Sun over the Kaaba

"zero shadow" phenomenon

28 May 2014

Makkah - The sun was directly over the Kaaba on 28 May
at midday in a celestial phenomenon known as "zero shadow."

Arab News photos by Ahmad Hashad

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#4075 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 17:45

Washing of the Kaaba
___________________

Washing of Kaaba carried out

Thursday 29 May 2014

Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz led the washing of the Kaaba on Thursday at the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Makkah, on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

Also participating in the ceremonial washing were Minister of Culture and Information Abdulaziz bin Mohiuddin Khoja; head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, deputy head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Muhammad Al-Khozaim, Makkah municipal Mayor Osama al-Bar, diplomats from Islamic countries and other Saudi dignitaries.

The ceremonial washing — in which the Kaaba is wiped with cloth wet with a special mixture of Zamzam and rose water — is carried out before the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The fasting month of Ramadan this year starts during the last week of June.

Al-Sudais explained that the ceremony is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who washed the Kaaba after the Makkah victory.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/578591

Makkah, Rajab 30, 1435, May 29, 2014, SPA

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region, washed the Holy Kaaba here today.

Upon his arrival at the Holy Grand Mosque, the Prince was received by the President of the General Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais and Vice President of General Affairs of the Grand Mosque , Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Khozaim.

The Prince performed prayers at the Grand Mosque, and he and his companions washed the inside of the Holy Kaaba with Zamzam water mixed with Oud perfume and rose water.

Participants in the washing of the Holy Kaaba included President General for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Affairs; Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohiuddin Khoja; Vice President General of the Grand Mosque Affairs; Mayor of Makkah Dr. Osama Al-Bar; a number of princes; ministers; members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom; and a group of citizens.

In a press statement following the washing ceremony, Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz said, "On this blessed day, I had the honor on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to wash the Holy Kaaba. I express my thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; and Deputy Crown Prince for their interest and care for the holy sites and harnessing all the homeland's capabilities to serve the holy sites, their construction and expansion; and the service of pilgrims and Umrah performers, praying to Allah Almighty for continuing preservation of our leadership, homeland and its security''.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/print.php?id=1237928
Arabic: http://www.gph.gov.sa/index.cfm?do=c...0&categoryid=2

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#4076 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 18:26

There has been an accident in the mataf where some pilgrims where badly injured. Apparently one of the Mataf bridges collapsed today leading to chaos among the pilgrims.

Received pics and clips over WhatsApp and confirmed by friend in Jeddah.

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#4077 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 22:17

For now, they say pilgrims fell down but not from what ... well I don't understand the title of the video, it's in Arabic

Police deny deaths in Makkah stampede

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Makkah Police spokesman denied reports that said three people have died during the washing of Kaaba Thursday morning.

He said four pilgrims fell down as a result of the stampede.

Three of them were treated inside the Grand Mosque and the fourth was taken to hospital by Saudi Red Crescent.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140529206792

video of the incident: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRJ6I5UPHAE

They fell from what?

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#4078 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 23:10

Haram stampede rumors denied

Friday 30 May 2014

Makkah police denied rumors circulating on social media sites on Thursday that three pilgrims were killed in a stampede inside the Grand Mosque.
Officials clarified that four people sustained injuries after they were caught up in a melee.

“Three of them — all women — were treated on the spot and the fourth person was transferred to a local hospital,” said Makkah police spokesman Aati Al-Qurashi.

According to another official, the man sustained a deep cut to his head. He said as soon as the Kaaba door was opened for the washing ceremony, there was a heavy rush of onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the inside of the Kaaba. “That is when the man fell down on his head.”

Earlier, Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah took part in the washing ritual of the Holy Kaaba on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

The House of God is washed from inside twice a year in Muharram and Shaaban, the first and eighth months of the Hijri calendar.

“We are honored that our country serves pilgrims throughout the year,” said a statement issued by the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs quoting the governor.

The governor was welcomed by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, and Mohammed Al-Khozaim, vice-president, said the statement.

The governor performed prayers at the Grand Mosque and then went on to wash the inside of the Kaaba with zamzam water mixed with “oud” perfume and rose water with companions.

Culture and Information Minister Abdulaziz Khoja, Makkah Mayor Osama Al-Bar and several princes, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and a group of citizens also participated in the washing ritual.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/578846

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#4079 [Permalink] Posted on 29th May 2014 23:55

According to the video posted by sister Roukaya, it looks like they were near the construction site and not near the bridge. Very difficult to tell.

Youtube Video

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#4080 [Permalink] Posted on 31st May 2014 15:52

Ceremony of Washing Kaaba

''Nobody fell from Temporary Mataf''

This is to clarify the bad incident on Washing Kaaba Day

This is what happened at Masjid al Haram on Thursday, 29 May 2014:

On the Mataf and not on the Temporary Mataf, there was a terrible overcrowding before washing Kaaba because of the narrow space for Tawaf what led to the break of the barrier that separates the Mataf and the work area of the expansion, resulting in injuries and cases of fainting.

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