MCDC incorporated with Jannat tours UK to distribute Hajj packages in Europe & the Americas December 19, 2023
Jannat Tours UK Limited is thrilled to announce a pioneering partnership with MCDC (Makkah Company for Development and Construction), aiming to elevate the Hajj experience for pilgrims coming from Europe and Americas.
This collaboration involves a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makkah Company for Development and Construction, known as "MCDC."
MCDC, is the parent company of the iconic Makkah Hotels and Towers and a leading Hajj service provider in the Nusuk Platform, joins hands with Jannat Tours UK to streamline the Hajj experience and booking process for pilgrims coming from Europe and America.
With over two decades of experience in Hajj pilgrimage services and hospitability in Makkah and Madinah, MCDC led by Saad Khayat, the Cluster General Manager of Makkah Hotel & Towers, undeniably will bring valuable expertise to this joint venture. In the meantime, Mohamed Darwish, the Founder of Jannat Tours UK Ltd stated that the goal of this innovative collaboration with the industry expert MCDC is to provide top-notch Hajj and Umrah services to European and American pilgrims.
Mohamed Darwish, the founder of Jannat Tours UK, emphasized, “Our geographical location in the main hub of Europe with the strong partnership of MCDC, will enable Jannat Tour UK to serve Muslim communities in Europe and America in a better way. and we aim to offer affordable tailor-made, luxury, premium, and standard Hajj packages to the pilgrims.”
MCDC is in its final stage of introducing Hajj packages into the Nusuk Hajj Platform, the dynamic and official platform owned by Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
Saad Khayat of MCDC expressed his satisfaction, stating, that “We are delighted to partner with Jannat Tours UK, committed to provide unique and spiritually enriching Hajj services, and the team at Jannat Tours is closely connected with MCDC’s flagship properties, Makkah Hotels and Towers.”
This collaboration is poised to revolutionize the Hajj service offering, reflecting the excellence and innovation of each entity in providing services excellence for pilgrims who are eagerly looking forward to reserving their Hajj packages in Nusuk Platform.
Makkah revamps path to Hira Cave for safety, accessibility
MAKKAH: The first phase of the Hira Cave pathway revamp has been unveiled in Makkah, which includes improved access for pedestrians and vehicles.
Representatives from the Hira Cultural District in Makkah announced the initial phase of the transformative project recently.
The Cave of Hira is a religious site where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed, and is of considerable importance for Muslims.
The project aligns with the broader vision of Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on providing a profound and educational experience for Umrah and Haj pilgrims, and visitors.
The paved ascent to the cave, starting in the foothills of Mount Hira, offers a departure from the traditional arduous path because it ensures a gradual and visually engaging experience.
Fawaz Al-Mehrij, CEO of Samaya Investment Co., the developer and operator of the Hira Cultural District, said that further development would follow.
Al-Mehrij said the new, enhanced features include illuminated pathways, surveillance cameras and a guidance center, all without disrupting access to the old path.
For safety, barriers have been positioned along the shoulder of the road. The new path consists of a section for vehicles transporting visitors to a designated point. Another section allows walking access to the Cave of Hira in 15 minutes. There is another longer, paved path for walkers, which takes 40 minutes.
Al-Mehrij underlined the safety shortcomings of the old path with its wearisome stairs. The ongoing project enhances accessibility and includes service kiosks catering to diverse visitor needs during their ascent, he added.
Though the road is not yet complete, its progress aligns with the planned schedule. Subsequent stages in the coming months are expected to bring the entire project to fruition, he said.
Al-Mehrij said trial runs have indicated the new path would provide safety and comfort for visitors. And that there were also emergency vehicles stationed along the way to help people who require healthcare.
The Hira Cultural District features museums and exhibitions in multiple languages. It is supervised by the Royal Commission for the Holy City of Makkah and the Holy Sites.
More than 600% increase in green spaces in Makkah region over past 5 months
RIYADH: Areas of the Makkah region covered by vegetation grew by more than 600 percent during the past five months thanks to the rainy season, Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification said. Total rainfall reached 200 millimeters in some places.
Analyzes of remote-sensing data revealed the total vegetation cover stood at 3,529.4 square kilometers in August, representing 2.3 percent of the region’s total area. This gradually increased as a result of rainfall to reach 26,256 square kilometers by the end of the year.
By December, up to 17.1 percent of the region was covered by vegetation. It was concentrated in the mountainous areas and highlands parallel to the Red Sea coast, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 meters, in the governorates of Makkah, Taif, Al-Laith, Al-Jammoum, Al-Kamil, and Khalis.
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The center said it is studying the status of these areas of vegetation, monitoring changes in afforestation project sites, tracking land-cover changes, calculating volumes of rainfall and vegetation density, and assessing plant health through the use of remote-sensing techniques and artificial intelligence technology, to help achieve the goals of afforestation projects and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The center works to protect vegetation sites in the Kingdom, study the variables that affect green spaces, and develop ways to prepare for drought and mitigate its severity, as part of the initiatives of the National Transformation Program designed to help achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development and diversification agenda. It operates within a framework of national efforts to reduce the effects of desertification and drought, and safeguard land, pastures, forests and national parks.
https://x.com/TheSiasatDaily/status/1744390959872483543?s=20 As a part of the ongoing visit to KSA, during which the bilateral Haj agreement for Haj 2024 was signed between India and KSA on 7 January, 2024, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Zubin Irani accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, V Muraleedharan, led a delegation of senior officials from Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs on a historic visit to Madinah, one of the holiest cities in Islam, on Monday, January 8
Speaking on the visit, BJP leader Haider Azam who said, “The Saudi authorities have now relaxed the bar on visits of non-Muslims to the holy city of Medina. It is good news that Mrs Irani visited Medina and reached the periphery of the Prophet’s Mosque. This will go a long way to further improve India-Saudi relationship.”
Note: The images show, she was in Indian dress, (Saree), no symbolic scarf or overcoat. Tomorrow US leader could visit in Skirt.
Long back, Hadith teacher in Masjid e nabavi, Shaykh Abu Bakr al Jazairi had narratrd his dream, here prophet SAS was saying, "I prefer to migrate to Indian sub-continent"...... Shaykh replied "then what will be left in Madinah" and he started crying.
Saudi Arabia explores dividing Grand Mosque in Makkah into coded zones for enhanced access
The Saudi Postal and Logistics Services Company will carry out study about dividing the Grand Mosque and its courtyards into coded zones to help accurately determine geographical locations and facilitate spatial description so as to guide worshippers and workers in the sprawling mosque and its premises.
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia is exploring the prospect of dividing the Grand Mosque and its courtyards in Makkah into coded zones in order to facilitate the smooth access of worshipers and workers.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard with the Saudi Postal and Logistics Services Company (SPL). The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition 2024.
Under the MoU, the SPL will carry out study about dividing the Grand Mosque and its courtyards into coded zones to help accurately determine geographical locations and facilitate spatial description so as to guide worshippers and workers in the sprawling mosque and its premises.
The deal is also aimed to gauge performance, and distribution of working personnel based on the accommodation and operational capacity, and thus ensuring the highest standards of services provided at Islam’s holiest shrine.
It is noteworthy that the Grand Mosque witnessed the highest number of Umrah pilgrims in its history during the last year. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said recently that more than 13.5 million foreign pilgrims performed Umrah in 2023. This figure showed a 58 percent increase, with a total of five million more pilgrims compared to the previous year, the minister said.
“I am pleased to share some good and unprecedented news. The highest number of pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom in 2019 was 8.5 million. This year, and in light of the facilities introduced by the Saudi leadership, the number rose to 13,550,000 million Umrah pilgrims,” al-Rabiah said in the opening session of the the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, which kicked off at Jeddah Superdome on Jan. 8.
The Saudi government is keen on ensuring elaborate arrangements and facilities to enable the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.
Saudi Arabia's consideration of dividing the Grand Mosque into coded zones, facilitated by a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Postal and Logistics Services Company, aims to enhance accessibility for worshipers and streamline operational efficiency. With a record-breaking number of Umrah pilgrims in 2023, this move underscores the government's commitment to providing optimal services and accommodations for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
Riyadh Al Jannah Visit Limited To Just Once Per Year
MAKKAH: A Muslim is allowed to visit the Riyadh Al Jannah at the Prophet’s Mosque, the second holiest site in Islam, once a year, as stated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the kingdom. The ministry clarified that a permit for visiting this revered location is issued every 365 days.
According to the ministry, individuals interested in visiting Al Rawda Al Sharifa also known as Riyadh Al Jannah can book a permit after a year has passed since their last permit. Al Rawda Al Sharifa, situated within the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, holds the tomb of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Muslim worshippers desiring to pray and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa must obtain an official permit prior to their arrival.
Following the completion of Umrah or the minor pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, many pilgrims traditionally visit the Prophet’s Mosque for prayers and to pay their respects at Al Rawda Al Sharifa.
Saudi Arabia anticipates approximately 10 million Muslims from abroad to perform Umrah during the current season, which began over six months ago. In April, Saudi authorities introduced a gilded brass barrier surrounding the Sacred Chamber at the Prophet’s Mosque, replacing a wooden barrier. This new barrier aims to preserve the visual identity and architectural pattern of the Mosque. Inspired by the anterior of the Prophet’s Chamber, Al Rawda Al Sharifa, and cabins holding copies of the Holy Quran at the Old Mosque, the 87-meter-long barrier is made of pure brass. It surrounds the Sacred Chamber from three directions and is designed to withstand human density pressure while ensuring easy maintenance through internal props securing its immovability.
I have heard that if you cancel your booking once checked by the guards then you can rebook. It's unethical but these rules are tyrannical so make your own judgement.
Visitors shall scan barcode at automated gates for entry New mechanism announced for Rawdah Sharif visit
January 25, 2024
The Prophet’s Mosque Agency noted that the procedures for the Rawdah visit must begin through the Nusuk platform, and the visitor will be informed in multiple languages about the steps that he should follow to perform the visit through easy steps.
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Prophet’s Mosque Agency and the concerned authorities have begun implementing a new mechanism for visiting the Rawdah Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. According to the mechanism, which relies heavily on the latest digital technologies, visitors shall scan barcode at automated gates for the entry to the Rawdah Sharif.
The agency noted that the procedures for the Rawdah visit must begin through the Nusuk platform, and the visitor will be informed in multiple languages about the steps that he should follow to perform the visit through easy steps.
The visitor will receive a message confirming the appointment after making reservation through the application. Later, the visitor will be reminded about the appointment 24 hours before the visit date, asking him to confirm or cancel, and it will not be possible to use the barcode for the visit before the specified time.
As soon as the visitor arrives at the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque, he will be directed via guidance screens to the entrances designated for the visit. He will be received by trained staff and guided through the stages of the visit. Before arrival at the Rawdah Sharif, the visitor shall scan the barcode through the automated gates and then heads to the waiting area and then to the grouping for the entry. The visitor shall be returned through the designated areas if the permit is found not active that time.
The Agency of the Prophet’s Mosque has allocated a special path for people with special needs and the opening areas will be determined in accordance with the capacity of the Rawdah Sharif. Electronic screens have been placed in several languages to educate visitors about the etiquette of visiting, and the designated waiting areas are fully prepared to ensure their comfort. Upon entering the allotted time of visit, the visitors will be directed to the entrance of the Rawdah Sharif via organized and standardized paths until they arrive at the place of prayer. Once the visiting time ends, visitors will be directed to the designated exits.
The follow-up will also be made through the advanced digital systems that operate via smart cameras and sensors to track the movement pattern of entry and exit, and know the numbers of visitors through interactive thermal and geographical maps. The joint control rooms will manage the crowd management and digital systems, bringing together all concerned parties to register visitors for direct coordination between them. It will come out with quick solutions in the event of any overcrowding, and will issue continuous reports with the aim of continuously developing and improving the services.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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