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#4081 [Permalink] Posted on 31st May 2014 15:58

 

The Mastabat Al Hirasah




The Mastabat Al Hirasah is the dais of the Holy Kaaba.

It has been established next to the Black Stone, with underground air conditioning.

A guard stands on it to oversee people kissing the Black Stone.



Source: http://generalcomtech.com/kabah/eng-...-shadhrwan.php

 

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#4082 [Permalink] Posted on 31st May 2014 16:00
 
Govt to punish fake Haj service providers

Saturday 31 May 2014

The Ministry of Haj has a plan in place to crack down on fake operators and those failing to provide proper services for pilgrims this year, such as electricity supply, air conditioning and rest rooms in Makkah and Madinah.

This emerged at a meeting held recently between the ministry, Civil Defense and the Tawafa establishments. The plan is based on records of complaints and observations compiled during last year's Haj by officials from the three parties.

Maj. Gen. Abed Al-Sukhairi, commander of the Civil Defense for the Haj, said it was important for all government agencies to be ready early this year for the annual pilgrimage.

He said all agencies record complaints and poor service delivery provision during Haj every year so that mistakes can be rectified. “If it wasn't for these notes we would not be able to raise the level of services offered to pilgrims,” he said.

He said the Civil Defense’s priority is to ensure the safety of pilgrims and property, especially at the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah. “We make every effort to ensure the safety of all souls. We have plans in place, in coordination with other agencies, to prevent accidents from happening in the upcoming Haj season,” he said.

Hussein Al-Sharif, the ministry's undersecretary, said there has been a clear allocation of tasks among all government agencies including the Tawafa establishments for this year's Haj.

Al-Sharif said the ministry would penalize companies found breaking the law. It would also launch a public awareness program to warn citizens and expatriates about fake Haj companies operating in the market.

He said the ministry is working with the Control and Investigation Bureau to hold workshops on issues that came up last year. The ministry has also suggested that the Ministry of Finance assist with Haj planning, especially with projects in Mina. The ministry wants to involve the company responsible for maintaining the Mina camp, and get expertise from the water and electricity operators in the country.

He said the ministry has not received any information yet that it has to take preparations to tackle the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The Ministry of Health is responsible for dealing with this issue. In addition, Muslim countries around the world have not issued MERS advisories for their Umrah and Haj pilgrims, he said.

Al-Sharif said that discussions are taking place on how to deal with street vendors who obstruct traffic at the holy sites every year.

Among the ministry's successful campaigns last year was one launched to educate people about the importance of getting Haj permits, he said.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/579646
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#4083 [Permalink] Posted on 31st May 2014 16:00
 
More Saudi patients recover from MERS

 
Saturday 31 May 2014

The Ministry of Health reported a new MERS case on Friday without any fatalities.

The ministry confirmed that a 36-year-old man, suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, had been diagnosed with MERS.

He developed respiratory difficulties on Monday and was admitted to a government hospital in Qunfudah on Wednesday.

He has now been transferred to a government hospital in Jeddah. He was being treated at the ICU, the ministry added.

Five patients were discharged from hospitals in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah following full recovery.

They included a 36-year-old man from a government hospital in Makkah, a 71-year-old male and a 42-year-old female from a government hospital in Jeddah.

The other two patients were a 20-year-old female and a 35-year-old male from a government hospital in Madinah.

MERS-CoV & Pilgrims

According to Eurosurveillance, two patients, returning to the Netherlands from a pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah, were diagnosed with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in May 2014.

The source and mode of transmission have not yet been determined.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/579641
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#4084 [Permalink] Posted on 31st May 2014 16:02
 
Black market for Zamzam bottles
 
 
thrives in Makkah


A vehicle full of Zamzam water bottles parked in front of the bottling plant in Kudai, Makkah.
Wednesday, 28 May 2014

MAKKAH – A black market for Zamzam water has emerged here and it is run by undocumented African and Asian workers and violators of residency regulations.

In 2011, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Zamzam Project was implemented with a total cost of SR700 million.

The project aims to provide pure Zamzam water in a 10-liter bottle that costs SR5. State-of-the-art technology and machines are used in the factory to fill, store, and distribute Zamzam water.

Ever since the project was implemented, Makkah residents and Umrah pilgrims have been able to get Zamzam water quickly without having to stand in long lines.

Undoubtedly, the project, located in Kudai neighborhood, has played a big role in ending illegal selling activities of Zamzam that were taking place in Makkah. As time went on, the illegal activities started again.

This is what illegal workers, mainly African, do. They buy large quantities of Zamzam water, store them for a few months until the month of Shaban, which precedes Ramadan, then sell the bottles for ten times the original price, making a lot of profits in a short term.

Before Ramdan, the general public and Umrah pilgrims love to buy Zamzam water and keep it for the holy month. They do not mind paying SR30 for a Zamzam bottle which they get from African street vendors lining up outside the factory. Many people do not prefer to stand in long lines in Shaban; so they go to these African undocumented workers.

Saudi Gazette met some members of the public and asked them about the illegal selling of Zamzam water. Muhammad Humood said he went to the factory to buy Zamzam.

The employee told him he could only get 10 bottles according to the number of family members listed in the family card. He paid SR50 and went to get Zamzam bottles. Suddenly, a Burmese man approached him and asked him how many bottles he would get. The Burmese man offered Humood SR120 to give him his receipt.

“I was shocked. I asked him why he would pay this amount. He told me he would go and sell the receipt for double this price,” Humood said.

Ahmad Madani had the same problem. He called upon authorities to send secret agents to crack down on those illegal workers. Madani called upon consumers of Zamzam water to bring the bottles to the factory and not throw them in the garbage because they can be used by illegal workers. “Some of those workers mix Zamzam with regular water and sell it to the public,” he said.

Saudi Gazette visited the factory to take a look at the illegal selling activities going on there. At the parking lot outside the premises, there were several African and Burmese men standing with a large quantity of Zamzam water bottles next to them. They sell the bottle for SR10. When asked about the reason, they said sale points are crowded with people and there are long lines.

Those who do not want to stop in such lines can come and buy from us. Of course, they will have to pay double the price.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140528206665
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#4085 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd June 2014 15:36
 
Al-Shafei Mosque:
 
An 800-year-old monument in Jeddah

that has attracted pilgrims and worshippers for centuries

Friday, 30 May 2014

Al-Shafei Mosque is a historic mosque located in Al-Mathloum neighborhood, which is one of Jeddah’s oldest neighborhoods. The mosque’s condition has deteriorated and is currently undergoing a vast renovation project to restore its lost glitter that has attracted pilgrims and worshippers for centuries, Al-Madinah daily reported.

Renovations are expected to last 11 months and are supervised by skilled experts to ensure that work is carried out appropriately. One of the project’s supervisors, Moystafah Darweesh, said workers are using small instruments to preserve the original structure of the pillars and walls.

“They are finding some difficulties in carrying out their renovation works due to previous renovations that were not done properly, as it was not renovations per se, but simple refurbishing works. Previous works on the mosque have also made it difficult to analyze the drawings, carvings and colors on the pillars and walls,” he explained.

The mosque’s walls consist of two layers filled with a special material meant to give it additional strength. All workers have been trained on-site and most are residents of the neighborhood. Darweesh, who has been involved in the renovation of Al-Ghamamah, Abu Bakr and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosques, said the Al-Shafei Mosque will be a model to follow in renovating historic mosques.

The head of the project, Majdi Jazouli, said workers have found a number of artifacts that were documented and then referred to concerned bodies for expert examination.

Al-Shafei Mosque is believed to have been built in the year 1250 during the era of King Sulaiman Bin Saaduddeen Shahenshah II, and was renovated in 1533 by an Indian merchant known as Al-Khawajah Mohammad Ali. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ordered the renovation of the two oldest mosques in Jeddah — Al-Shafei and Al-Memar mosques — and a budget of SR7 million was approved for this purpose.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140530206835



Specialists in urban heritage, inspect progress
in the restoration project of Al Shafei Mosque in Jeddah


13 April 2014

The Urban Heritage Sector at the Saudi Council of Engineers in collaboration with SCTA, the Jeddah Municipality and the Saudi Society for Urban Science, on Saturday, 12th April, organized a field visit to Al Shafei Mosque in Jeddah Historic Area, besides conducting a lecture entitled "The technical aspects of the restoration of Al Shafei Mosque" delivered by Dr. Saleh Lamai Mustafa, Director-General of Center for Conservation and Restoration of Islamic Architectural Heritage (CIAH).

The lecture was attended by a number of specialists, media representatives, and people who are concerned of the urbanl heritage.

The visit started from the "Naseef House” and the visitors on their way to Al Shafei Mosque were guided by Eng. Telal Abdullah Samar Gandi, a member of the Urban Heritage Sector at the Saudi Council of Engineers. During the tour, Eng. Samar Gandi briefed the visitors on the Jeddah Historic Area, its history, feature of its buildings, architectural styles in addition to the areas of authentic traditions and customs.

Upon their arrival to Al Shafei Mosque, the visitors met Dr. Saleh Lamai Mustafa, Director-General of the CIAH in Cairo, Egypt, who also serves as the supervisor of the restoration project at the mosque, in addition to the Eng. Abdel Fattah Shelby, the Project Manager in the company, which undertakes implementation of the restoration project, who provided detailed explanation on the technical aspects of the project, and pointed to the great attention and follow-up the project enjoys from His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the President of SCTA.

The also stated that the contract term of the project will expire after 3 months on 31, August, 2014, and that the work is in full swing to complete the project on time.

After that, the visitors headed to Bait Al Balad, (the Balad House) in the Historic district to attend a scientific lecture delivered by Dr. Mustafa under the theme "Technical aspects in the restoration of Al Shafei Mosque", which saw a dense participation by the area inhabitants addition to a number of specialists in the field of architectural heritage and monuments besides Jeddah Historic Area concerned people and fans, and media representatives for more than two hours.

In his lecture Dr. Mustafa shed light on a number of technical aspects, specialized methods and mechanism of work in the restoration of the historic mosque. He first gave a brief overview of the history of the mosque, and its location in the Al Mazloom Hara, which is one of the oldest quarters in the Jeddah Historic Area next to Souk Al Sagha (The gold and silvery jewelry and coppery Market), on its eastern side of which is located the textile and garment market, which is locally known as "Badu Souk".

Dr. Mustafa emphasized that the historical studies and surveys should be carried out on the target archaeological site before the beginning of the restoration process, and all the writings and inscriptions on the walls should be analyzed and interpreted prior to its restoration.

He also said that the mosque has seen a marked deterioration in the hands of people who meant in fact to restore the building, but unfortunately they were not the people specializing in this area.

Dr. Mustafa during the lecture shifted on many technical aspects in the restoration and rehabilitation through a presentation that included charts, data, images, statistics and analyses illustrating obstacles to work, the requirements and progress in addition to highlighting the difficulties that they have faced at work, the latest of which was the existence of a substance made of lead in a base of one of columns of the building, in addition to the presence of deep bases as a result of backfill over the past many years of restoration processes, also that there is a shift in the internal corridor more than 35 to 70 centimeters, as well as the attempts of previous restorations using cement that has spoiled the aesthetic value of the mosque hence required further efforts and studies.

http://www.scta.gov.sa/en/mediaCente...2-13-4-14.aspx
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#4086 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd June 2014 15:37
 
MERS-CoV: Two pilgrims from Algeria infected

 
ALGERIA - 1 June 2014

This is the first time that the virus widespread in Saudi Arabia is detected in Algeria. The two men were returning from Umrah.

Two coronavirus infections were confirmed in Algeria, said yesterday a statement from the Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform.

There are two Algerian men, aged 66 and 59 years, who have stayed in Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah , the source added.

The two patients concerned were reported respectively by health services of Tlemcen and Tipasa wilayas.

The first case presented the first signs of fever and difficulty breathing, as well as the second, which presented the first respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms during their stay in Mecca, the ministry statement said. The department added that they were supported after admission to health facilities in their respective wilaya.

The Ministry of Health has strengthened since 27 April device monitoring and alerting established June 12, 2013 due to the evolution of the epidemiological situation of infection with this new virus in the Middle East.

It is within this " heightened alert and sustained " that these two infections were reported and confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory for the coronavirus of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria, the statement of the Ministry.

The Department continues to monitor the evolution of the epidemiological situation and will, if necessary, all the necessary measures that will be brought to the attention of public opinion.

http://www.lexpressiondz.com/actuali...-detectes.html
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#4087 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd June 2014 15:41
 
Makkah Old & New
2 pics about the same spot

1880


May 2014
 
 
 
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#4088 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd June 2014 15:44

 

Masjid al Haram updates

Weekend 29 - 30 - 31 May 2014









































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#4089 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd June 2014 15:52
 
Mentally deranged man overpowered in Haram
 
African smashes lanterns around the Kaaba

 

Tuesday, 03 June 2014

The Haram security forces overpowered a mentally deranged African national who climbed the wall of Hijr Ismail and attempted to tamper with its lanterns at the Grand Mosque in Makkah at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

The man, who swang out at pilgrims with a folded chair in hand, was eventually handed over to the concerned security authorities, according to Ati Al-Qarashi, spokesman of Makkah police.

Hijr Ismail is part of the Hateem, the crescent shaped area adjacent to the Holy Kaaba. It is believed to be a part of the Kaaba. This photo went viral on social media sites. See the video on Saudi Gazette Facebook page.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140603207259

 

He smashed this lantern .. pics in March

1 March 2014




Old Hatim lantern

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#4090 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd June 2014 15:55
Mataf expansion updates - Phase 2

26 May 2014




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1 June 2014




They took off some white sheets
on temporary Mataf first level in front of the Kaaba door



31 May - Before with all the white sheets
on temporary Mataf first level in front of the Kaaba door

 
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#4091 [Permalink] Posted on 5th June 2014 18:22
 
''I want to keep visiting Makkah and Madinah
 
over and over again''
 

Monday 2 June 2014

Muslims all over the world aspire to come to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj or Umrah, but only a few thousand are able to actually make it every year.

Some are not able to come because of health and financial reasons, while for many others, it simply remains a dream.

For Moroccan Adnan Abdul Rahman, his Umrah trip was an unforgettable spiritual experience.

“It’s not easy to come to Saudi Arabia for Umrah these days. It is very difficult to get seats on flights as a result of the increasing number of Umrah performers,” he told Arab News.

“I am extremely happy today for having gotten the opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque at Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah,” he said while commending the remarkable efforts being made by the Saudi government to develop the two holy mosques and the holy cities.

Abdul Rahman has visited Saudi Arabia several times in the past, especially to perform Haj and Umrah.

“I will come over and over again, God willing, as long as I get an opportunity to do so,” he said.

Along with other pilgrims, he also visited the historical mosques in Madinah, including the Quba mosque, the oldest mosque in the world, and the Qiblatain mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) changed the direction to which Muslims face for prayer. He also visited the Uhud battle ground and the location of the famous “battle of the trench.”

“I spent most of my time here praying at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said he did not face any major difficulty during his Umrah trip, as everything has gone smoothly.

However, he said the accommodation arranged in Makkah was far from the Grand Mosque.

He was all praise for Saudis for extending assistance to make their stay in the Kingdom a memorable one. He had paid SR8,000 for the trip, which included airfare, other forms of transport, accommodation and food.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/580671

Makkah
21 May 2014 by Lando Mikael

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#4092 [Permalink] Posted on 5th June 2014 18:25
 
Umrah pilgrims flock to Madinah’s historical sites

TOP DRAW: Visitors at the Uhud hillock.

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Thousands of Umrah pilgrims are flocking to Madinah these days to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, other houses of worship, and the city’s various historical sites.

There has been a rush of visitors on organized trips to the Quba, Al-Qiblatain, and other mosques in the city, from early hours of the morning. Many pilgrims were seen taking photographs at these sites.

“I made sure I visited all the mosques and historical sites in Madinah. This city in particular has a special place in the hearts of Muslims across the world,” Gamar Nawaz, a Pakistani pilgrim, told Arab News.

Wael Husni, a pilgrim, said he has been on Umrah several times. “Every time I come to Madinah, I make it a priority to visit Quba, Shuhada and Al-Qiblatain mosques, and other historical sites in the city. This is the Islamic heritage and wealth of all Muslims. I spend a long time in Madinah every time I visit.”

“Being here in Madinah near Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, the greatest of all mankind, brings me the most pleasure and happiness. I am often overwhelmed with joy roaming and drifting around the city, including standing on Al-Rumat Mountain at Uhud, where the most important battle in Islamic history took place.”

Pilgrims have also been visiting public parks and shopping. Sales at local shops have been rising and hotels are 95 percent full, according to workers in the hospitality sector, who attributed this activity to the forthcoming month of Ramadan and the summer vacation.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/581126


Mount Uhud
May 2014

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#4093 [Permalink] Posted on 5th June 2014 18:26
 
Immigration counters exclusively for women
 
open at Jeddah airport
 

Tuesday, 03 June 2014

JEDDAH – Jeddah Governor Prince Mishal Bin Majed opened on Monday the special counters for women’s immigration at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.

As many as 74 Saudi women have been appointed to work at the special counters at KAIA.

Women passengers can now process their passports through the service called ‘Hayyaki” (Welcoming you).

Prince Mishal urged all officials and employees at the airport to extend the best services to all those who use the airport, including pilgrims, citizens and visitors.

He called for guaranteeing comfort to passengers through smooth functioning of the immigration and other facilities of the Passport Directorate (Jawazat), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Briefing Prince Mishal on the functioning of the counter, Brig. Gen. Khalaf Al-Tuwairgi, director of Passport Department in Makkah region, said that the new service has been introduced to ensure the privacy of women in line with the teachings of the Islamic Shariah.

“This initiative is also in conformity with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to strengthen the role of women in serving the nation,” he said, adding that the female passport officers have been trained in immigration procedures.

Special counters for women have already been introduced at Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport.

Last month, a new dress code was implemented for passports officers at immigration counters at the airports.

They now wear the traditional thobe instead of military uniform. The national dress consists of the traditional thobe, ghutra (headscarf) and iqal (black head ribbon).

The staff also have to wear black shoes and black socks and put on their badges. The decision has been implemented at first at the international airports of Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam before it is gradually introduced in all the Kingdom’s air, sea and land entry points.

Brig. Gen. Khalaf Al-Tuwairgi, director of Passport Department in Makkah region, Brig. Gen. Fahm Al-Bagami, director of the department for entry points at the Passports Directorate, and Col. Suleiman Al-Yousef, director of Passports at KAIA, Rafat Falamban, supervisor for women’s counters, and other officials were present at the opening ceremony.

Later, Prince Mishal toured the lounges of the airport. He was accompanied by Abdul Hameed Abal Ari, director general of KAIA, Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, director general of customs at the airport, and other officials.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140603207262

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#4094 [Permalink] Posted on 5th June 2014 18:29
 
Want a Haj that suits your budget?
 
Register at ministry’s website

Tuesday, 03 June 2014

MAKKAH – The Haj Ministry has asked Saudis and expatriates wishing to perform low-cost Haj this year to register their names at its website, which has been created specially for this purpose.

The ministry said it would direct the intending domestic pilgrims to the officially accredited Haj service companies which are most suitable for them.

Abdul Rahman Al-Nifaie, the ministry’s assistant undersecretary, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the procedure is aimed at protecting domestic pilgrims from fake companies.

He expects more than 41,000 pilgrims to benefit from the low-cost Haj this year, compared to about 17,000 last year.

After registration, every pilgrim will be given a secret number which will be automatically conveyed to the Haj service provider.

The pilgrims will no longer have to visit the companies themselves as was the case in the past. The ministry will choose the suitable companies for them this year, Al-Nifaie said.

He said the ministry has approved 53 companies providing Haj services at reduced rates out of 116 which applied for accreditation. “The winning companies were electronically chosen according to the grades which were given to them for their services during the previous Haj season,” he added.

Al-Nifaie said the ministry has allotted the locations for tents in the Holy Sites for a total 204 local Haj firms, including the 53 companies which are offering low-cost Haj.

He said the Haj companies will be electronically supervised to ensure the rights of the pilgrims and prevent cheating on the prices or services.

“The close supervision will prompt the companies to provide quality services to the Guests of Allah,” Al-Nifaie added.

He said all the companies providing Haj services at reduced rates will be linked through a special computer program.

The success of last year’s “low-cost Haj” project has encouraged the Ministry of Haj to expand the project in the future.

The “low-cost Haj” project seeks to provide domestic pilgrims with suitable Haj services at reasonable costs to combat the spiraling costs charged by Haj operators.

The Ministry of Haj has allowed local Haj companies to begin registering domestic pilgrims who wish to perform Haj this year.

The head of domestic pilgrims’ affairs at the ministry, Fayez Al-Barakati, said the ministry has allocated several areas for domestic Haj operators in Mina according to each company’s quota.

He pointed out that while local Haj companies are being allowed to register domestic Haj pilgrims, they cannot enter into contracts yet or collect fees.

Al-Barakati explained that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to activate an electronic system that allows for early registration for Hajis, something which typically starts Dhul Qaadah of each year.

An intending domestic pilgrim can identify the companies and establishments licensed to serve them either through the Ministry of Haj portal or the toll free number 8002444480 or the directory issued by the ministry, which includes the names of the licensed companies and their offices at the Holy Sites.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140603207258
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#4095 [Permalink] Posted on 5th June 2014 18:30
 
Yanbu airport to receive Haj flights


Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Abdulaziz Airport, Yanbu
Wednesday, 04 June 2014

MADINAH — Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu will this year start receiving international Haj and Umrah flights, Emir of Madinah Prince Faisal Bin Salman announced.

He made the announcement during a meeting of the Madinah Haj Committee on Monday. He said the Interior Ministry has granted approval to the airport to receive international flights.

The emir urged all government departments and private sector companies in Madinah to make every effort to ensure visitors receive good services.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20140604207321

The airport was upgraded in late 2009 to enable it to operate international flights with newly expanded arrival and departure lounges. The contract for the airport expansion project was signed with a national company in June 2006 at a cost of SR188 million. The airport features air bridges that link passengers directly with aircraft, a first for regional airports in the Kingdom. The airport only has 2 air-bridges, Gates 1 and 2.

With passenger terminal areas of 8,500 sq. meters, the airport can take up to 500 passengers an hour. The airport also features new control towers, cargo facilities, and security and safety systems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanbu_Airport






Yanbu International Airport
Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz Airport













 
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