Makkah News and Updates

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Chairs Central Hajj Committee's Monthly Meeting

Makkah, Sha'ban 20, 1436, Jun 7, 2015, SPA

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee chaired here today the monthly meeting of the Central Hajj Committee.

During the meeting, he reviewed the topics on the Committee's agenda presented by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj for Umrah Affairs Dr. Isa bin Mohammed Rawas.

Dr. Rawas presented a report on the situation of Umrah season and the number of arrivals, indicating that the number of visas issued amounted to about 5.4 million, and the number of Umrah performers exceeded 4.9 million of whom 3.2 million arrived through based-Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport and 1.023 million through based-Madinah Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, while the rest of the Umrah performers arrived through other different ports.

For his part, the secretary of the Central Hajj Committee and secretary of High Commission for the control of transporting pilgrims Dr. Salah Saqr reviewed arrangements of transporting pilgrims and worshipers to and from the Grand Mosque, explaining that the goal of the plan is to secure the transport of 25 million passengers to and from the Grand Mosque and reduce pressure on the central region by 6 million vehicles.

The Committee recommended the intensification of awareness efforts in several languages to prevent intruders and whoever coming to perform Hajj without permits from entering the holy sites, as well as tighten control on the exits of cities leading to Makkah and the application of the penalties provided against violators in this regard.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/english/print.php?id=1369667
http://www.spa.gov.sa/english/print.php?id=1369668


Guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah visit
King Fahd Complex and Exhibition of Two Holy Mosques Construction

Riyadh, Sha'ban 20, 1436, June 07, 2015, SPA

The second group of guests hosted within Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud program for Umrah and visit, who arrived in Madinah last week totaling 250 Muslims, have visited King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran in Madinah and the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Construction, as part of advocacy and briefing programs prepared by the General Secretariat of the program.

In their visit to the complex, the guests watched mechanisms and stages of printing the Holy Quran, and at the end of their tour they were presented two copies of Holy Quran for each visitor, which had a great impression on them.

They also visited the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Construction where they saw the stages of development and expansion of the Prophet's Mosque since its inception and the major expansion in the era of the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the subsequent expansion in the era of the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in which work is still ongoing, and they watched the final form of the mosque whose completion of its expansion is expected during the next three years.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/english/print.php?id=1369665

Sunday 7 June 2015

RIYADH: Several people donated blood on Friday to assist Umrah pilgrims this year.

The Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath (TNTJ), a social organization, held the event and collected 220 units at King Fahd Medical City (KFMC). This was its 34th campaign, which saw donation by 238 people mainly from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states including Kerala.

“We could have collected more blood but the hospital authorities limited us to 220 units,” said Mujeebur Rahman, the coordinator for the TNTJ. Another campaign would be held next week, he said.

Saud Al-Anazi, head of the KFMC laboratory team, thanked the organizers for their “noble work.” He said the TNTJ was the only organization providing the hospital with large amounts of blood. Rahman said the TNTJ had conducted 33 camps over the past 10 years. The hospital had given the organization more than 15 awards. He said the TNTJ continues to provide the most blood in Gulf countries. The organization has also received several awards from the Ministry of Health and the Tamil Nadu government, he said.

Riyadh TNTJ President Irshad Ahmed said the TNTJ organizes voluntary blood donation campaigns for Umrah and Haj pilgrims.” This time the blood will be used for Umrah pilgrims,” he said.

Quoting from the Qur’an, he said that Allah has urged people to save the lives of their fellows. These good deeds help to create harmony in society; and clear up misconceptions of Muslims held in the West, he said.

According to a royal decree issued in 1984, the Health Ministry does not import blood. It is collected from residents and citizens, who do so voluntarily. The 20 health directorates in the Kingdom make their own arrangements. People can donate up to 450 ml of blood, or one unit, every two to three months. This amount is small, given that the body contains five to six liters, or 10 to 12 units. Donation takes about 30 minutes.

There are a number of different blood types: O positive and negative, A positive and negative, B positive and negative, AB positive and negative. In an emergency, anyone can receive type O negative red blood cells. People with type O blood are known as universal donors, and those with type AB blood as universal recipients.

An official from the General Directorate of Blood Banks and Laboratories said recently that every year more than 500,000 citizens are registered as blood donors with the blood banks throughout the Kingdom.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/758146

Sunday, 07 June 2015

MAKKAH — The unplanned Al-Otaibiya District in the central part of Makkah has become a preferred destination for illegal residents and workers after its original inhabitants left the area years ago.

The old, crowded area has provided an environment for criminal activities including illegal workshops that offer different counterfeit products and drug traffickers who take advantage of the neighborhood’s narrow and hidden alleys.

Muhammad Al-Shareef, resident, said textile trading had always been associated with the area. The Al-Gammasha market – named after the Arabic word for textiles, qimash – occupies a large part of the area as it was the only built area in the region that was not demolished.

“It started decades ago with a few shops before it was expanded along adjacent streets, and now it is one of the city’s well-known markets,” he said.

Residents from Asian and African countries had started settling in the area after the original residents left. Most of those residents worked and ran businesses in the area.

However, some illegal activities started to become noticeable in the area since then, like drug trafficking. Al-Shareef said: “Many residents reported these activities to Jarwal police station and filed complaints with the mayor.

“Traffickers disappear as security inspection campaigns start and return afterwards.” He added the area’s unplanned narrow alleys helped these drug dealers practice their illegal activities unseen.

However, constant raids by anti-narcotics officials have resulted in the arrest of some of them. Al-Shareef called on the authorities to increase their control and constantly monitor the area.

Saeed Al-Rabighi, a 53-year-old government employee and a resident, said he has been living in Al-Otaibiya since he was a child.

He said: “The most annoying characteristic of this area is the potholes that damage our cars and the pools of overflown sewage water that can cause diseases.”

He said the residents had approached the Makkah Municipality and requested to have potholes fixed and stagnant water removed but received no response.

Another issue that irks people in the area is the increasing number of abandoned cars. They are forced to park their cars in places where they fear they would be damaged.

The many abandoned vehicles sometimes block public service vehicles from reaching elevated areas. Salem Al-Harbi, another resident, said illegal Arab traveling vendors selling counterfeit and fake products are increasing.

He said: “Many also sell canned food, vegetables and fruit, promoting their products by yelling in plain sight.” Some families sell food prepared at their homes without supervision, he added.

He said the large numbers of motorcyclists represent another inconvenience for residents, traveling around the popular market in huge numbers annoying people and polluting the environment.

“Children, women and elderly persons have been run over by these motorcycles. Some of them are even involved in criminal acts like snatching purses and belongings of pedestrians.”

Essa Al-Jizani, a resident, agreed with Al-Harbi and added that garbage accumulates and remain in the streets for days sometimes, especially in Ramadan when the area’s streets are congested with traffic preventing cleaners’ vehicles from entering the area.

The area is considered a hub for illegal domestic workers and middlemen who provide them can be found around its alleys.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150607246362 Sunday, 07 June 2015

JEDDAH — Citizens are upset with illegal street sellers near Makkah Gate because they are ruining the area, Al-Madina reported. Resident Mansour Al-Shihry said the Passports Department (Jawazat) should conduct more frequent inspection campaigns.

He said: “There are a lot of illegal expatriates by Makkah Gate. “They are violating multiple labor and health and safety regulations and no one is holding them accountable.

“Makkah Gate is a tourist area and this chaos by street sellers is sabotaging the area and polluting its scenery.”

Younis Al-Thaqafi said there are street sellers selling meat and exposing it to the sun. He said: “You can see flies hovering over the meat and people still buy from them, completely ignoring the potential health implications.

“The sellers don’t seem to care one bit and they are not afraid of the municipality coming to issue violations against them. “They are obviously violating health and safety regulations.”

M. A., a street seller, said there are about nine different butcheries by Makkah Gate. He said: “Street sellers selling meat and poultry don’t care about the flies hovering above the meat.

“The bacteria will die once the meat is cooked anyways. “People still buy meat from us even though they can opt not to if they think it is not safe.”

Umm Abdullah, a street seller, said she sells African fruits that are imported from Africa and cannot be found in Makkah.

She said: “I am an African woman and I have been selling by Makkah Gate for the past four years. “There is an African man that comes to me and my friends and supplies us with these fruits. “We sell them and he comes at the end of the day to take some of the profit.”

Resident Ahmad Maadi said people can find cheap merchandise from these street sellers. He said: “I enjoy buying tropical and exotic fruits they sell from Africa.

“However, many of them park their carts in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic.” Fellow resident Nasser Al-Jihani said he enjoys strolling in the midst of the crowded areas where street sellers sell everything cheap from food to accessories to clothes.

“Ramadan is on the way and the strategic role of Makkah Gate that balances between religion and culture is keeping the area busy.

“The life in the area remind people of the historic locations such as Al-Shafie Mosque and Bait Naseef.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150607246358

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Monday 8 June 2015

JEDDAH: Government organizations and agencies involved in the work of serving and providing facilities to pilgrims have hinted that people should limit their Umrah visits because it puts “too much burden on the system” and “increases health risks.”

However, some people were quoted by local media as saying that it is permitted to do Umrah on behalf of the sick and old and also for those who are away and can’t afford it. The number of visits of a person cannot be curtailed if he is doing it with this purpose, they have asserted.

According to sources in government agencies, the Haram’s squares, Al-Tanim Mosque and the roads leading to Haram are wearing out due to the large influx of pilgrims using these facilities. The agencies responsible for Umrah services are also stressed too much, they said.

A source said vehicular traffic is another problem. “Huge traffic is seen at Umrah pilgrim transport stations.

Hundreds of vehicles, estimated at more than 400, clutter around Al-Tanim Mosque north of Makkah on the Makkah-Madinah expressway. Around 4,000 traffic police work in organizing traffic in Makkah throughout the Umrah nights in Ramadan.”

The official agencies say that 15,000 employees are deployed for Haj and around 8,000 for Umrah. Another problem, they cite, is the risk of health problems. Diseases such as flu and bacterial pneumonia increase due to the decreased immunity among people.

From the pilgrims’ point of view, the current liberty of performing Umrah is indeed helpful, especially for those who do it on behalf of others.

Egyptian pilgrim Jamal Aleemi said that some people who can’t make the Umrah trip find people to do it on their behalf. He explained that they pay people between SR500 and SR700 to perform Umrah in their name or on behalf of old parents who are unable to travel or for parents who are no more.

He referred to a large number of fatwas stating that this type of Umrah is correct and that some perform Umrah a dozen times for that reason.

Tunisian pilgrim Mohammed Munad said that this sort of Umrah is usually carried out by foreigners working in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, which are close to the Haram. “It only takes a phone call to ask somebody to do the job and he will get paid,” he said.

Mujim Khan, an expat working in Makkah, is involved in such Umrahs. He said that he charges a nominal amount as transportation fee. “I help the poor, disabled, old and the relatives of the dead by performing Umrah on their behalf.”

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/758646 Tuesday 9 June 2015

JEDDAH: In an unprecedented move, a Saudi court here has decided to overturn 18 decisions made by the Ministry of Haj to suspend and shut down services of several Umrah companies for more than nine years, which caused millions in financial losses.

The Administrative Court in Jeddah issued the verdicts in favor of the owners of these companies. The court had held more than 20 hearings over several months on the cases, with the participation of owners and ministry officials.

In its rulings, the court stated that the ministry had violated regulations because the director general in charge of the administration of Umrah companies had taken these decisions. Only the minister was allowed to do so, the court ruled, according to a report in a local publication.

Meanwhile, the owners of the companies have now complained that the ministry has failed to abide by the court's decisions. They claimed that the ministry has failed to reply to requests for their licenses to be reinstated.

They said they had not incorrectly stated the number of Umrah pilgrims on their books. In addition, they had also paid their financial deposits in full, contrary to what the ministry had claimed.
The court said that the executive branch of the government must comply with the rulings, and that all state institutions were established to meet the needs of individuals in a just and equitable manner.

The court said that licensing rights were outlined in the regulations, with clear stipulations for approval and cancellation. These were the rules used by the judges to reach their decisions, the court said.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/759161 Monday 8 June 2015

JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has issued directives calling for the immediate formation of a committee to identify reasons behind the cessation of work on the Jeddah-Makkah parallel road, and to take necessary action for the immediate resumption of work after a two-year halt.

Mohammed Madani of the Ministry of Transport said the project was approved four years ago but was delayed due to outstanding infringements and complications. He said intervention from representatives of Makkah and Jeddah municipalities, police and members of provincial committees, following the directives of Prince Khaled has resulted in removal of all obstacles, and resumption of the Ministry of Labor’s mechanisms for work within eight hours.

He said the direct intervention of Prince Faisal bin Mohamed, supervisor of the General Directorate of Administrative and Financial Affairs, has had a significantly positive impact on the implementation of the directives from Prince Khaled with the removal of all obstacles.

He said the cleared infringements covered an area of 13 km, including more than 80 plots of land and farms. He said the 72-km road connects Makkah with Jeddah, and starts from the intersection of the airport road with the Al-Nuzha neighborhood in North Jeddah and extends to the holy city.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/758661

Tuesday, 09 June 2015

MAKKAH — The General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Affairs announced new regulations regarding Ramadan iftars (breaking of the fast meals) held in the Grand Mosque, Makkah daily reported.

Director of cleaning at the presidency Maher Al-Zahrani said the new regulations were set to maintain the cleanliness of the mosque.

He said: “The nylon spreads used must be all of the same color and must be as thick as 50 microns.

“The dates served must all be fresh and free of their core to avoid having seeds clogging the sewers.

“The general presidency expects the charities organizing the iftars to be fully responsible by appointing supervisors and volunteers for setting up the iftars and cleaning up.”

The directorate will only allow appointed members of the organizing charities and associations to go in and set up the iftars. “They will be allowed in half an hour after Asr prayer from the side entrances and not the main ones. This will give them plenty of time to set up iftars.

“Everything is expected to be cleared and cleaned up five minutes after the Maghrib adhan (call for prayer) is over.”

He said there are designated trolleys near each entrance where the volunteers can dispose of rubbish. “Our workers will then push the trolleys away from the central area of the Grand Mosque.”

He also said many perform wudu (ablutions) with Zamzam water even though it is a waste of the holy water and causes hazards.

He added the visitors of the mosque should also clean up after themselves and contribute to keeping the mosque clean.

“Visitors should throw their trash and leftovers in the trash bags, not bring in their own food and drinks, consume a modest amount of dates, coffee and Zamzam water and put their shoes in the designated places outside the Grand Mosque.”

“In the past, the directorate used to discard 167 tons of rubbish a day and during the last three days of Ramadan the weight could reach up to 300 tons a day.

“The nylon spreads used to reach 65 km in length and there would be around 70 tons of dates distributed inside the mosque a day.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150609246560 Monday, June 08, 2015

RIYADH – The Shoura Council approved a proposal to grant the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques the right to select candidates to fill job vacancies at the presidency except positions that come under the Ministry of Civil Service, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The council made the recommendation while discussing the annual report of the presidency for the fiscal year 2013-14, according to Yahya Al-Samaan, assistant president of the Council.

In a session chaired by Muhammad Al-Jafri, deputy president of the council, a report by the Islamic and judicial affairs committee in this regard was presented by Faleh Al-Sughair, head of the committee.

The council called for preparing a computerized database of everyone who enters the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

It also urged the presidency to prepare a detailed report about the stalled projects under the presidency and a plan to overcome the hurdles.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150609246615

Wednesday 10 June 2015

JEDDAH: A Saudi company has completed the feasibility studies to launch a food factory with a capacity to supply more than a million meals to pilgrims from 14 countries during the Haj and Umrah season.

“We have completed the feasibility studies and already received the license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,” said Khaled Mandoura, chairman of the project. “We expect to begin the project’s implementation next year after the end of the 2015 Haj season.”

Mandoura said the factory would be established in the Hadi Al-Sham area along the Makkah-Madinah Expressway.

He said the $200 million factory would be established in collaboration with a strategic partner in three years. It will a production capacity of a million meals every day.

Mandoura stressed that the project would ensure security of pilgrims “because they will not be required to cook meals in tents.”

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/759626

Wednesday 10 June 2015

JEDDAH: The Haj Ministry has issued a decision to stop electronic services for six Umrah service companies due to the excessive number of pilgrims who fail to return to their home countries in due time.

Issa Rawas of the ministry said other Umrah companies were allowed to raise their operational capacities and increase the number of pilgrims they can service to cover the shortfall resulting from suspension of these six companies.

He said the ministry already responded to the demands of Umrah companies to provide their operational plans and identify the permitted number of pilgrims that each company will serve each season, rather than every month.
However, due to suspension of the activities of some companies, the ministry has allowed other Umrah companies wishing to increase their number of pilgrims to do so.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/759666

 

Wednesday, 10 June 2015 - 23 Shaban 1436

RIYADH — The first day of the fasting month of Ramadan will be Thursday, June 18, a Saudi astronomer told Al-Riyadh on Tuesday.

Mulhim Mohammed Hindi, a researcher at King Abdulaziz University's faculty of astronomical and space sciences, said the Ramadan moon this year will be born at 5.05 p.m. local time Tuesday, June 16, and disappear before sunset the same day.

“There is no possibility of the crescent being sighted anywhere in the Kingdom on Tuesday,” he said. Hindi said the moon will go down 13 minutes before sunset in the eastern regions and nine minutes in the western areas.

He said in this case the month of Shaaban will be 30 days, making Thursday the first day of Ramadan.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150610246720

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Thursday 11 June 2015

RIYADH: The Shoura Council has asked the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques to count worshippers in Makkah and Madinah so that accurate statistics can be compiled for a new database.

This proposal was made at the 45th ordinary session of the Shoura during a discussion of a report from the presidency for the year 2013/2014. The report was read out by Falih Al-Sughair, chairman of the Shoura’s Islamic and judicial affairs committee, said Assistant House Speaker Yahya Al-Samaan.

The members recommended that all future reports of the presidency should contain detailed information on delayed and incomplete projects, its propagation plan and payment of allowances to field workers. They also said that the presidency must report on its performance based on agreed indicators.

Earlier, the Shoura discussed a report presented by the committee of human rights and regulatory bodies on a project undertaken by the national committee on combating corruption.

The Shoura also approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the area of communication and information technology between the Saudi Communication and Information Technology Commission and Algerian Telecommunications and Posts Authority. This followed discussion on a report presented by the transport and communications committee.

Subject of sermons

Dalal Al-Harbi, a member, said it was unclear why the Shoura did not discuss her proposal, which called for sermons at the two holy mosques to deal with global issues. Al-Harbi said the reason behind delay could have been the sensitivity of the matter. She had sent the proposal to the head of the Shoura in February.

Al-Harbi said that Friday sermons at the two holy mosques should not be limited to local matters because Umrah pilgrims come from all parts of the world and are often not interested in domestic issues.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/760201

Thursday, 11 June 2015 - 24 Shaban 1436

MAKKAH — The Haj Ministry has informed 145 Umrah service-providing companies that the maximum stay on an Umrah visa in the Kingdom is 15 days.

Abdullah Marghalani, the ministry's undersecretary for Umrah affairs, told Makkah daily on Wednesday that the instructions were conveyed in writing to all companies.

“Earlier we used to inform the companies of these instructions verbally but now we have conveyed them officially in written form,” he said.

Marghalani, who is also director of the ministry's branch in Jeddah, said earlier Umrah companies used to turn a blind eye to pilgrims who might extend their stay in the Kingdom to 30 days.

He warned companies that do not abide by the new rules could face sanctions including not receiving any Umrah visas in the future.

He said: “The procedure is aimed at facilitating the entry of new batches of Umrah pilgrims and extending new visa quotas to the companies after the passage of 15 days.”

Marghalani noted a large number of Umrah pilgrims were able to arrive in the Kingdom following the implementation of the 15-day stay rule.

“A number of Islamic countries have reacted positively to the new system and have expanded their visa granting procedures,” he said.

He said according to the ministry's calculations, pilgrims on Umrah visas usually stay eight to 10 days. “Sometimes it is much less than this,” he added.

Marghalani said Umrah companies could be issued with more Umrah visas after 15 days instead of a month, as was the case in the past.

Ahmed Bajaiefer, member of the Haj and Umrah committee of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hailed the decision.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150611246838

Thursday 11 June 2015

DAMMAM: Umrah operators here plan to raise the prices of their packages, which they blame on the rising cost of flights, according to a recent report in a local publication.

Many companies have not specified what the increase would be, but one said it would be “a little.” They called on pilgrims to book early, because failure to do so could cost an extra $70.

Ahmad Saleh, an employee of a Haj and Umrah operator, said it was unlikely that there would be significant rise like last year. He said the average price for an Umrah from the Eastern Province by air including a two-night stay at a hotel and road transport, would cost SR1,000.

Many members of the public have called on the government to monitor the prices of these companies because there are often increases before Ramadan and Eid, the report said.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/760196 Thursday, 11 June 2015

JEDDAH — Leading Saudi experts came together to raise awareness on the precautionary measures that should be undertaken by Umrah travelers with regard to infectious diseases, most notably vaccinations.

Umrah, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, will bring together a huge number of pilgrims from different countries who can pose a major health concern.

Mass gatherings have long been associated with the spread of infectious diseases.

A meningococcal disease outbreak occurred during the 1992 Umrah season and mass vaccinations helped in controlling the situation.

The incidence rate of pneumococcal diseases in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be 17.4 per 100,000 of the population, with a fatality ratio of 12.2 percent.

Dr. Abdulhakeem Okab Ahmed Al-Thaqafi, director of infection control for the National Guard Health Affairs in Jeddah, said: “Awareness on the diseases, preventive measures like vaccinations and maintenance of hygiene is the key to preventing outbreak of serious diseases during mass gatherings like Umrah or Haj.

“We strongly recommend travelers to undertake these as the means of avoiding the social and economic burden associated with these diseases.” He suggested there should be efforts to ensure that antibiotics are not dispensed without prescriptions and to increase awareness about the importance of vaccines among healthcare workers and patients.

“Even people working in the health sector are not aware of this vaccine. In the next few years we need to work harder with authorities and societies to increase awareness about vaccine benefits and effectiveness," he said.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghobain, pulmonology consultant at King Abdulaziz Medical City, said there are many organizations such as the Saudi Thorax Society and Infectious Disease Society working on raising awareness of obtaining vaccinations against infectious diseases.

He said: “An Increased level of precaution is required for risk groups, especially elderly adults over the age of 65 and those with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes mellitus, hematological malignancy, organ and bone marrow transplantation or chronic kidney or lung diseases.

“Aging is a widely recognized risk factor in pneumococcal disease due to a natural weakening of the immune system and susceptibility to infection.”

Pneumonia is the most common cause of hospital admissions during Haj because it easily spreads from person to person in a mass gathering.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adult vaccinations to help prevent pneumococcal disease, among other infectious diseases.

According to the World Health Organization’s facts on immunization, vaccinations are one of the most successful and cost-effective of public health interventions, preventing between 2 million and 3 million deaths every year.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150611246839

Thursday 11 June 2015

JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has called for the formation of an executive committee to help public and private bodies develop the capacity of productive families.

During the first meeting of the Higher Committee for the Support and Development of Productive Families in Jeddah, Prince Khaled said these families are an important pillar of the Kingdom’s economy.

There should be particular support for the ‘Made in Makkah’ project run by productive families in the region, said Prince Khaled.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed said there was a need to classify the activities of these families, and provide specialized training on design and marketing.

Hisham Al-Falih, supervisor of Makkah’s development agency, said the committee was set up on the premise that small and medium businesses were important economic drivers.

He said preliminary studies have shown that one third of all production globally involve women working from home, which includes sewing, cooking and other services.

He said that it was vital to first determine the needs of the market and then inform these families about enterprises to focus on. They should also be given outlets to sell their products and services, and have regular evaluations done of their businesses.

Al-Falih said other support would include passing laws enabling these families to operate more effectively out in the marketplace, and training them to use social networks to market their products.

He said that their success would be measured by how many skilled jobs are created and their technical innovation in production and design.

Abdel Muneem Al-Shehri, director general of the Ministry of Labor in Makkah, presented his ministry’s plan for the development of productive families. He said the plan was based on several studies.

At the end of the meeting, the committee drafted several resolutions aimed at putting an institutional framework in place to improve the quality of products produced by these families.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/760176

Friday 12 June 2015

JEDDAH: The British Embassy has advised its citizens to take specific health precautions while on Umrah.

“British pilgrims coming on Umrah have been advised to follow the health advice, get the necessary vaccinations and take precautions when consuming food and water to avoid health problems,” a spokesman at the embassy said recently.

Many people contract diarrhea because they are not careful about what they eat, he said.

The embassy also advised them to take care of their personal belongings including passports, tickets and valuables.
“Make a copy of your passport before you travel, and keep it in a safe place,” it said.

The spokesman said that citizens must contact the embassy if they have passport problems at [email protected].

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/760631

Saturday, 13 June 2015 - 26 Shaban 1436

MAKKAH/MADINAH – Imams of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah have exhorted Muslims to get ready to avail of the manifold bounties of Almighty Allah during the coming month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, Imam and Khatib of the Grand Mosque, said the wise person is the one who does self-introspection and prepares for the life after death.

In his Friday sermon, Sheikh Bin Humaid said self-introspection is the approach of sincere and righteous worshipers.

He said the holy month of Ramadan is a treasure for the God-fearing. He said obeying Allah Almighty is an honor. Bin Humaid said Allah has compensated the short life with great rewards for good deeds during the holy month. During Ramadan there is a night that is more rewarding than praying a thousand months. Any one unable to avail of the bounties of this night is a loser, he said.

Sheikh Bin Humaid said that during this blessed month the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of the hell-fire are closed and the satans are chained. He said the degree of sincerity in welcoming this month is to combat the Satan and one's own whims and desires. A person must work hard in seeking reward from Allah, he said.

Among the preparations for Ramadan is sincere repentance, giving up sins and having a strong determination not to commit the sins again. One should seek to do good, benefit from the seasons for good deeds and increase acts of worship including fasting, praying, giving alms, performing late night prayers, reciting the Holy Qur’an, supplicating and contacting and visiting relatives. The Muslim must purify his heart by keeping away from anger, hatred, envy, arrogance and backbiting.

Sheikh Bin Humaid regretted the unfortunate and seditious events in some regions and blamed deviant youth for them. He said these youths are playing into the hands of foreign elements and tampering with the security and stability.

Sheikh Bin Humaid asked: What kind of jihad or victory is there in blowing oneself up in the mosque where people are performing Friday prayer? How can this happen when our religion has forbidden the killing of monks in their churches? How can worshipers be killed in mosques while performing Friday prayer? The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever has entered the mosque is safe. If killing worshipers in the mosque has become permissible, what is left?

Bin Humaid said the Kingdom has fought terrorism represented by Al-Qaeda with all its capability.

Dr. Abdulbari Awwadh Al-Thubaiti, Imam and Khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque elaborated on the noble characteristics of the believers who follow the path of the pious ancestors based on the way shown in Allah’s Book and the Prophet’s Sunnah.

Al-Thubaiti said if the believer is afflicted with something good he thanks Allah and if he is afflicted with some harmful matter, he is patient and this is good for him. The Muslim earns a good characteristic by learning the Qur’an and teaching it as well as by seeking knowledge on the Shariah. He stressed on the necessity to seek knowledge and its role in the advancement of the Ummah.

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