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#76 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 00:13
Bikers offer quick trips to central Makkah for a fee

By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA | ARAB NEWS

Published: Aug 18, 2011 23:03 Updated: Aug 18, 2011 23:13

MAKKAH: As traffic conditions on the already crowded Makkah streets continue to worsen during Ramadan, local people increasingly depend on motorcyclists to reach the Grand Mosque area. The occasion offers a golden chance to young bike owners to earn good money.

Ali Jameel, who conducts his business close to the Grand Mosque, lives outside the city center. He said he leaves his car outside the central are and then continues his journey on a motorbike. He used to pay SR30 per trip during the early days of Ramadan. "But now the bikers demand between SR75 and SR90 per trip. I have no option but to pay," he said.

Muatasem Riza, an Umrah pilgrim from Jeddah, said he had to pay SR55 to a motorcyclist to take him from Rusaifah car park to the Grand Mosque.

"I left my car at the parking lot because police would not allow me to take it into the central zone," he said.

Yousuf Hasan, an Umrah pilgrim from Taif, said he traveled by car to the outskirts of Makkah and then continued his journey on a motorcycle. He said he was scared to travel on the speeding bike even though he arrived at the Haram safely. He said he paid SR40 to the motorcyclist.

However, riding on bikes in not free from risks.

"I live a little far from the mosque but always try to join congregational prayers in the Grand Mosque. I sought the help of a motorcyclist to take me to the mosque on a crowded day in Ramadan two years ago," Makkah resident Maher Ali told Arab News.

"He agreed to take me for SR90. Something went wrong; the next thing I remembered was waking up on a hospital bed. My head injury was so critical that I had to remain in intensive care for six months."

One motorcyclist told Arab News he expected to earn up to SR25,000 in the month, adding that there were others who earned even more than that. He said a major problem he and other motorcyclists faced was frequent police harassment, which could lead to arrests and imprisonment.
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#77 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:25
Comprehensive registry for Umrah pilgrims in the offing

By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA | ARAB NEWS

Published: Aug 22, 2011 00:01 Updated: Aug 22, 2011 00:01

MAKKAH: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Haj Research at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah is working on a comprehensive database and registry of documentation for Umrah pilgrims.

"The registry will contain relevant information pertaining to all aspects of the Umrah pilgrimage and those associated with it," said Abdul Aziz bin Rashad Sarwaji, dean of the institute.

He said that a comprehensive database of all the aspects of the lesser pilgrimage in terms of its religious and service aspects would be documented.

"The registry would feature the minute statistical details about the pilgrims coming for Umrah from all over the world every year, their stay in the Kingdom and the agencies and departments engaged in serving them. These include the pilgrims' demographic structure, geographical features, types of meals served to them as well as their health conditions," he said, adding that this would be helpful for getting minute details about pilgrims staying in Makkah and Madinah with the support of pictures and graphics.

Sarwaji said the scientific study would be based on collecting electronic data from all the concerned government and private departments and agencies engaged in serving Umrah pilgrims. Referring to the demographic features of the database, he said that these included details of pilgrims and their nationalities, numbers of those who died and were hospitalized, and details of those engaged in serving the pilgrims.

"The database would also contain details of pilgrims' accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, such as names of hotels and residential buildings, their occupancy rates, contact details and other relevant information. The health aspect would consist of the number of sick people among the pilgrims, classification of their diseases, details of hospitals and health clinics catering to pilgrims, ambulance services and the like," he said, adding that the database would also contain descriptions about meals served to pilgrims during Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah.

Sarwaji also noted that registry would have comprehensive information about all departments, agencies and forces engaged in serving pilgrims and ensuring their safety and comfort. "These include details about security forces, traffic police, Civil Defense personnel, cleaning services and means of transportation," he said while adding that the registry would enable the concerned authorities and agencies to work out a flawless and sound strategy to implement their Umrah plan in a way to extend the best possible services for pilgrims year after year.

arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article491874.ece
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#78 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:26
4.8m Umrah visas issued

21 August 2011

RIYADH - The Foreign Ministry abroad has issued over 4.8 million Umrah visas this year, which is one million more than last year, according to Prince Khaled Bin Saud Bin Khaled Bin Massad, Assistant Foreign Minister.

He said the Kingdom has been providing all necessary facilities to Muslims to perform their Umrah rites in ease and comfort.

He expects the number of Umrah pilgrims to continue increasing every year because of the expansions ordered in Makkah and Madina by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110821107731
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#79 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:35
Pak envoy lauds Haram project

21 August 2011

JEDDAH - In a meeting with Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, at his office on Saturday, Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan lauded the Grand Mosque expansion project that was inaugurated by King Abdullah on Friday.

The envoy also expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia's assistance to Pakistan during every difficult time. The ambassador said that Pakistan highly regards its relations with Saudi Arabia and the recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has further cemented the existing fraternal relations between the two countries, the Pakistani consulate said in a press release.

The Muslim Ummah was proud of the Saudi leadership and always looked towards it for guidance, said Naeem Khan. The leadership of both the countries were working for stability in the region, he added.

The Pak envoy underscored the need for enhanced cooperation between media agencies of the two countries to project the true image of Islam and counter anti-Muslim propaganda.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110821107733
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#80 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:40
Worshippers throng mosques for 'qiyamullail'

Aerial pictures of the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas taken
by Arab News photographer Ahmed Hashad on Saturday night.
(Will be uploaded when HTML format is working again)

By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA & MD RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS

Published: Aug 21, 2011 22:27 Updated: Aug 21, 2011 22:39

MAKKAH/RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah is filled to the brim with worshippers these days as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have come from all over the world to perform Umrah and attend taraweeh and qiyamullail prayers, seeking the blessings of Lailat Al-Qadr (night of power).

The Civil Defense department in Makkah gave Arab News a rare opportunity to take aerial photos of the Grand Mosque on the 21st night of Ramadan on Saturday sitting in their helicopter and at the initiative of Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Harbi, commander of aviation in the Kingdom.

The S92 model helicopter was piloted by Capt. Abdul Aziz Al-Dhufyan and 1st Lt. Ziyad Al-Otaibi.

The helicopter had come from Jeddah and was flying at a height of 4,000 feet at a speed of 80 knots.

The trip covered the central region of Makkah and the Arab News photographer was able to take shots of the whole of Makkah from various angles. The camera focused on the newly established Makkah Clock on the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Tower.

The helicopter flew over the Misfala, Kuday, Ajyad, Hafair, Hajoun and Aziziya areas that were crowded with vehicles carrying pilgrims and worshippers. The pilots gave instructions to Civil Defense ground staff based on information they had on traffic in various parts of the city.

The trip on the helicopter, which is mainly engaged in search, rescue and fire extinguishing operations and airlifting patients, took about an hour and half. The plane can carry up to 22 people.

As the holy month of Ramadan entered its final phase of 10 days Saturday, mosques in all parts of the Kingdom began holding qiyamullail prayers.

"The special prayers are conducted during the last 10 days of Ramadan from 1 a.m.," Mohammed Obaidullah, imam at Sheebani mosque in Nasseriyah district in Riyadh, told Arab News.

The last ten days of Ramadan are more significant, since the Holy Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Lailat Al-Qadr. The imam said that good deeds of the worshippers would be richly rewarded.

To enable worshippers to find a comfortable atmosphere inside the worshipping places, private establishments that had been contracted to maintain mosques throughout the Kingdom have geared up their staff to be on duty throughout the night to ensure smooth supply of power and water.

Extensive arrangements have been made in all mosques to accommodate the additional number of worshippers during this period. Sequel to a directive issued by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, mosques will be kept open for worshippers throughout the night during the last 10 days of the holy month.

The imam said the mosques were kept open for public at nights for them to recite the Holy Qur'an and perform voluntary prayers.

According to the circular, imams of all mosques in the Kingdom were instructed to keep the places of worship tidy and to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supplies of power and water during the holy month to meet the requirements of the increased number of Muslims who go for Taraweeh prayers, which follow the regular Isha prayers.

Improvised partitions were built in mosques that do not have separate prayer halls for women.

Sermons at the Friday prayers focused on the significance of Lailat Al-Qadr. Welcoming the day of Lailat Al-Qadr, an imam at a mosque in Malaz district in Riyadh appealed to the people to strictly adhere to the teachings of the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this period. "This is a golden opportunity for Muslims to get bounty of rewards, since worshippers in the Kingdom will have adequate time because of the Ramadan holidays," the imam stressed.

A maintenance contractor who looks after more than 1,500 mosques in the capital told Arab News that his company had instructed his labor force to work in the mosques till late during this period. "These workers are expected to keep the worshipping places spick and span, ensure smooth supply of water and power, and illuminate the places."

Around 10 laborers work in large mosques, while small mosques are manned by two workers. Some 5,000 mosques are maintained by the department of mosques at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance headquartered in Riyadh.

arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article491821.ece









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#81 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:42
Modern technology to control Tawaf crowds


21 August 2011

JEDDAH - Makkah authorities are using modern technology to control the number of people entering the Grand Mosque over the last 10 days of Ramadan, according to a report carried by Al-Yaum newspaper.

These devices are being used at all the gates of the Grand Mosque to estimate the number of Umrah performers and visitors.
The authorities are trying to curb many workers who enter the mosque in the last 10 days and perform Tawaf in their normal clothes while reading from the Qur'an. This has caused a great deal of inconvenience for Umrah pilgrims.

Authorities are also trying to ensure that visitors, who are not performing Umrah, do not sleep in open areas and block passageways.
There are more pilgrims circumambulating the Ka'ba during the last 10 days of Ramadan than at Haj time. This is because Haj pilgrims are only required to circumambulate the Ka'ba at certain set times.

The Grand Mosque is also crowded because many Umrah pilgrims perform Itikaf in the Mosque till the end of Ramadan.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110821107734
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#82 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:43
1,350 employees work 24/7 to keep Prophet's Mosque clean


A worker cleans the courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque in Madina.

21 August 2011

MADINA - About 65 seasonal employees and supervisors, and 1,350 male and female workers are working every day to clean the Prophet's Mosque, said Abdul Aziz Bin Muhammad Al-Mar'ashi, Director of the Cleaning and Carpets Administration.

The organization's tasks include around-the-clock supervision and monitoring of all work and cleaning of the Haram, the roof, courtyards and restrooms, he added, pointing out that supervisors and workers are divided into three shifts. The Administration also follows up with the contractor to ensure all terms of the contract are executed, he added.

During Ramadan, most of the work is done in the evening session, which begins immediately after Asr prayer, and the cleaning efforts end after Isha prayer, Al-Mar'ashi said.

This time witnesses a great amount of work including following up the collection of all the garbage and food leftovers before the Iqamah for Maghrib prayer; surplus dates and bread are kept in special bags in the men's and women's sections, he added.

The workers, who clean 9,700 carpets, use 25 carpet-cleaning machines, 43 machines to clean the courtyards and 11 garbage-compressing vehicles, in addition to cleaning 20 restrooms, including four for women and one for people with disabilities, he added.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110821107729
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#83 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 10:48
Emir orders dress code for mosque worshippers
21 August 2011

JEDDAH - Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, has ordered that inappropriately dressed people should not be allowed to pray in the mosques.
Worshippers, he said, should be dressed properly to keep the sanctity of the Houses of Allah. He stressed that Muslims should abide by this Islamic teaching.

During his tenure as Emir of the Asir region, Prince Khaled had issued directives banning officials from dealing with the public if they wore jogging suits, pajamas or sleeping gowns.

Okaz/Saudi Gazette raised this issue because it noticed that some worshippers do not wear appropriate clothing when praying in congregation at mosques.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Ethaim, a Judge at the Court of Appeal, praised the directives. He said Allah orders believers to have a tidy appearance. He said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that Islam places great emphasis on physical and spiritual cleanliness. While people generally consider cleanliness a desirable attribute, Islam insists on it, making it an indispensable part of the faith.

He said a Muslim will not be sinning if he dresses in a jogging suit or pajamas but would still be defying Allah's order.

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the waster." (31:7)

Dr. Ali Al-Shebl, Professor at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh and a member of the Religious Committee for Umrah and Haj Awareness, stressed that a person should follow the Prophet's Sunnah by going to the mosque in his or her best clothing. He said people will wear their best clothes if they have to meet their bosses. This means that the Lord, the King of Kings, deserves better behavior.

Abdul Aziz Hanafi, Chairman of the Charitable Society for the Memorization of the Holy Qur'an in Jeddah, said the ban will have a positive effect.

He suggested that worshippers should stand at the doors of mosques to turn away those wearing inappropriate clothes. "If two or three worshippers are sent back, others will get the message."

He urged the authorities to launch awareness campaigns to educate Muslims about this matter.

Fahid Al-Barqi, Director General of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Dawah and Guidance in Jeddah, said the ministry has instructed Imams and Khateebs to raise this issue in their sermons.

He said it was very strange that some Muslims care more about their appearance when meeting with friends and relatives, than when they enter mosques.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110821107735
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#84 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 11:01
Youtube Video
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#85 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 14:26
High Speed in Saudi Arabia:
''possible award to the Spanish consortium''


 

29 July 2011

The Saudi Arabia high-speed tender has entered the final stage prior to the award, which indicates that it may be given to the Spanish consortium headed by Renfe, which won this tender announced by the Government of Saudi Arabia in 2006 for the construction and operation of a high-speed line between Medina and Mecca, the two holy cities of Islam.
 

The contract is worth €6,500 million, which includes operation of the line for a twelve year period. The distance between the two towns is 450 kilometres and when the line is in operation it is estimated that it could serve Islam's two holy pilgrimages, called Hajj and Umrah.

Those in charge of the Spanish consortium have been called to negotiate some of the technical details in the first half of August. The Spanish offer is competing with another finalist, the French consortium Al Rajhi Alliance, involving French Railways (SNCF) and Alstom, as well as a Saudi construction company.

Another three groups did initially take part, one European group, the Saudi Bin Ladin Group (which Siemens and DB formed part of) and two Asian ones, the Badr Consortium (from Japan and Korea), and the CSR Consortium (led by the State Railways of China).

The Spanish consortium

Public companies control 49,87 percent of the capital in the Spanish consortium. Of these, the largest share is held by Renfe Operadora, with 26,9 percent of the shares; ADIF, with 21,5 percent, and Ineco, with 1,47 percent. 50,13% of the capital corresponds to private companies, such as Talgo (17,5 percent); the construction company OHL (6,21 percent); Dimetronic (5,18 percent); Indra (4,63 percent ); Copasa (6,76 percent); Cobra (5,30 percent); Inabensa (1,40 percent); Imathia (2,21 percent); and Consultrans (0,94 percent). A local constructor is also part of the conglomerate.

All the Spanish companies will have 88 percent of the company, with the Saudi partners having the remaining 12 percent (Al Shoula 7 percent, and Al-Rosan 5 percent). The participation of Spanish companies in the Saudi company will be through a Spanish special purpose entity, thereby ensuring a single view of the group and facilitating dialogue with the Saudi partner and SRO.
 


Capable of 300 km/h

The high-speed line between Medina and Mecca is 450 km long and will be capable of 300 km/h. It will include the ERTMS Level 2 traffic control system. It will have five stations: Mecca, Jeddah, Jeddah Airport, KAEC (abbreviation in English that corresponds to the King Abdullah Economic City) and Medina.

Saudi officials are considering adding two more stations: one in a university and another in the so-called Sports City, located in the middle of the desert. The station design is similar, but they all have a distinguishing feature. All of them are located outside the area that is prohibited for non-Muslims.

A high speed line in the middle of the desert has to face temperatures ranging between 0 and 50 degrees, as well as the problems that sand poses for facilities and rolling stock. Particularly between kilometres 17.5 and 39, and between kilometres 147 and 227, which may present special problems in this regard. The most difficult points, some thirty kilometres, will be covered with a slab track and walls will be built to prevent sand from invading the track.

As for the estimated demand, 166,000 passengers a day have been calculated, with peaks of 180,000 a year. Passengers would represent a figure of 74 million in the first year of operation, and more than one billion passengers during the 12-year contract, according to estimates by the Saudi authorities.

Rolling stock

The initial rolling stock order consists of 33 electric trains to be manufactured by Talgo entirely in Spain, and with an option to purchase 23 more. Trains are based on the Renfe 112 series trains equipped with Bombardier traction, as SRO demanded proven technology.

Each train will consist of twelve cars and two power units, and will have a capacity of between four and five hundred seats. Apart from these compositions set forth in the tender, a VIP train will be supplied for the King and his entourage.



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#86 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd August 2011 15:32

This time without the Music



Youtube Video

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#87 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd August 2011 00:02
Makkah city development work to start next month

Prince Khaled Al-Faisal announces details of King Abdullah 's project for the reconstruction of Mecca 20/9/1432H

22 August 2011

JEDDAH - Pre-construction planning has officially started on the King Abdullah Project for the Development of Makkah, it was announced on Saturday by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region.

Construction work will begin in September, he added. This comes a day after the launch of the Makkah Clock and the laying of the foundation stone for the largest-ever expansion of the Grand Mosque.

The massive King Abdullah Project for the Development of Makkah includes the development of unplanned residential areas, planning and managing urban development, establishing a ring road network, light rails, public transportation and organized taxi systems and pedestrian walkways in Makkah and the Holy Sites.

Prince Khaled, who is also President of the Commission for the Development of Makkah, that supervises the project, instructed the project team to reduce the planned deadline for the project from six years to between four and five years. He described the project as one of national importance.

Living and working in Makkah will be greatly improved after the project is completed, said Prince Khaled. He said the project is based on the King's instructions to improve servicesfor pilgrims and visitors. "Weneedto haveworld-classorganization and services, otherwise our work will be a waste of time and money. This we will not allow," said Prince Khaled.

The "development revolution" of Makkah is based on the state's regulations, five-year plans, and regional development plans, said Prince Khaled.

A study to build many floors for Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Ka'ba, will be submitted to the King, he said. Meanwhile, the holy Makkah Municipality is pushing ahead with its plans to develop a new urban mass rail transit system for the city. Makkah faces significant congestion and transportation challenges.It isthefocal point of the Haj, the Islamic pilgrimage, which attracts millions of visitors to the city every year.

The city's own population is also growing rapidly and is estimated to double to three million by 2035. Urban development is further restricted by Makkah's topography, with several significant hills constricting movement to key corridors. The Makkah Mass Rail Transit project (MMRT) is a key aspect of the municipality's strategy to address these growth challenges and the current public transport deficit.

MMRT project will involvetheconstruction of four new rail lines. The lines will be constructed in stages. Stage 1 will include the construction of sections of lines "B" and "C".

Line "B" section will be10km long, with 6 new stations and will mainly beunderground.It will beanextension of theexistingAl Masha'er Al Muqaddisa rail line.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110822107786
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#88 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd August 2011 00:06
Suspension bridge proposed to link Jeddah highway to Grand Mosque

22 August 2011

MAKKAH - A study is underway to determine whether a suspension bridge can be constructed close to the Grand Mosque which can help reduce traffic congestion.

Engineer Abbas Qattan, AssistantDeputy Mayor for Constructionand Projectsand Supervisorof the Development of the Grand Mosque's Courtyards, said that the proposed bridge will directly link Zamzam Roundabout, where the Jeddah-Makkah Highway ends, with the Grand Mosque. "This will help reduceheavy traffic during Ramadan and Haj seasons." The suspension bridge will not replace Umm Al-Qura Road, a vital road which has important intersections and passes through an area where a large number of Umrah performers stay during Ramadan, Qattan added.

When implemented, the new project will serve Umrah performers traveling from Jeddah and provide paths for pedestriansand shoppers, Qattan said.

Umm Al-Qura Road is the only direct road which links the Jeddah-Makkah Highway with the Grand Mosque. It is 2.3 kilometers long and 30 to 40 meters wide and cuts through highly-populated areas such as Al-Hafayer, Al-Hindawiyah, Jurhum and Tandabawee.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110822107787
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#89 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd August 2011 00:11
Haj Ministry orders employees of Umrah companies to work longer

22 August 2011

MADINA - The Ministry of Haj has ordered the staff of all Umrah companiesto work until theend of Dhul-Qada to ensure that all their registered pilgrimshave left the country. It has also warned Umrah companies in Makkah, Madina and Jeddah that they should not close after the middle of Shawwal as some companies did last year.

Companies will now haveto stay open for45days longer than last year.

This year, Umrah companies will haveto follow up on overstayers and complete procedures for Umrah performers who die or are hospitalized. The companies should keep their doors open so that they can provide the authorities with any information related to Umrah performers and their departure.

The ministry said that an Umrah company should provide evidence which shows that all their registered Umrah performers have left the Kingdom. Only then will the company beallowed to close.

Each and every Umrah company is requested to submit a report to the ministry at the end of the Umrah season on ways to improve the services provided for the guests of the Grand Mosque. The remarks and suggestions should focus on transportation, housing, arrivals and departures.

www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20110822107797
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#90 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd August 2011 10:54
Elderly women all praise for wheelchair volunteers

Saudi volunteers are seen in the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah helping wheelchair-bound pilgrims perform tawaf and Umrah. (photo removed)

By ARAB NEWS

Published: Aug 23, 2011 00:11 Updated: Aug 23, 2011 00:11

JEDDAH: Elderly pilgrims have said they are impressed by the dedicated services of youth volunteers who push wheelchairs at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during Ramadan.

The Veneration of Haram City Project in the holy city provides the volunteer service.

On Saturday, a man visited the office where wheelchairs are supplied and asked for the personnel who were on duty late Friday night.

The assistant at the office asked the man whether he had any complaint to make about the service.

He did not give a direct answer and insisted on meeting the youth who pushed a wheelchair carrying his elderly mother the previous night.

He then said his mother had nothing but praise for her wheelchair pusher.

"The youth took her to the masaa between Safa and Marwah without rushing even though the youth's shift was over. After she completed her rituals before dawn, she told the youth that she did not have anyone to drive her home and asked him to take her to the nearest road where she could call a cab. The youth not only took the woman to the taxi stand, but also paid the fare to take her home," the man said.

"I want to thank the youth for the service he provided to my mother and pay back his money," the man said.

At that moment the youth who the man was looking for arrived. The man hugged the youth and thanked him for his kindness toward the elderly woman.

Pushing old men and women is one of the services offered by 1,200 youths working for the Veneration of Haram City Project in different parts of the holy city. They also distribute free iftar meals to help people break their fast and administer first aid if needed.

In another humanitarian gesture, a group under the sponsorship of Nesma Holding and supervision of Jeddah's Al-Birr Society has performed proxy Umrah on behalf of a number of elderly women.

arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article492330.ece
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