First batch of Iranian Pilgrims leaves for Saudi Arabia
Teheran, 24 Nov 07
The first batch of the Iranian pilgrims left here today for The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At Muherbad International airport in Teheran a farewell ceremony was organized for the pilgrims and it was attended by head of Iranian Hajj mission Mohammedi Ree Shahri and Saudi Ambassador to Iran Osama al-Sanousi as well as other officials.
As many as 102,000 Iranian pilgrims will perform Hajj this year, and they will be flown to the Kingdom aboard Saudi and Iranian airlines within two weeks from 16 Iranian Cities.
The Ministry of Hajj, as per directive of Hajj Minister Dr. Fouad bin Abdul-salam Al-Farsy, has launched the operation of an Arabic - English free-call phone Center for inquiries of pilgrims with an allocated dial number of 8002444480.
The designated pilgrims' free-phone call Center has already begun receiving calls since last Tuesday [and will operate] for a period of one month.
In offering such service to pilgrims, the Ministry aims to give both citizens and residentsthe opportunity to make sure of the regularity of the companies or establishments offering Hajj services before contracting with them, as well as providing them with phone numbers of the licensed Companies and Establishments and the sites and addresses in Mina ritual site.
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee has presided over the committee's meeting at his office in Jeddah.
Muhammed Al-Shafi, the Committee Secretary, said they reviewed the preparations made by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for this Hajj season, especially regarding engineering services and technical support.
The operation of new projects amounting to SR1.7 billion that is carried out by the ministry in the holy places, including the second phase of Jessr Al-Jamarat, was also discussed, he was quoted as saying in a report about the meeting held last wednesday and carried today by the Jeddah-based Saudi Gazette.
Al-Shafi said that the Investigation and Control Commission will form supervisory teams to monitor the performance of government agencies during Hajj and inform them about any shortcoming.
He added that Prince Khaled has instructed all the agencies involved in the Hajj services to immediately submit their reports after Hajj for evaluation of the standard and quality of the services provided to the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, directors of the health sites in the holy shrines are already on the job.
Khaled Bin Ubaid Zafr, Director of Health Affairs in Makkah, said the Ministry of Health has assigned more than 10,000 medical staff - including doctors, nurses and technicians - to work during the Hajj season.
Dr. Zafr added that the ministry has also employed consultants and nurses specializing in different medical fields and those to attend to emergencies during Hajj.
Prince Khalid Alfaisal, Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of the Hajj Central Committee, has chaired here a meeting of the Hajj Central Committee.
During the meeting, issues concerning Hajj preparations and services for this year's season were discussed.
Prince Khalid urged the concerned authorities to implement all plans and programs concerning Hajj services and preparations.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Madinah region, chaired here last night the meeting of the Hajj committee in Madinah.
The participants of the meeting reviewed the reports submitted by the concerned authorities on the services being extended to the pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque.
Up to Monday, Nov 10, 2007, about 91695 pilgrims arrived in Madinah, 574 of them left Madinah after visiting the Prophet's Mosque, and the number of the remaining pilgrims in Madinah amounts to 91121.
As part of efforts to make available more accommodation for pilgrims in Mina, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs will open five of its six residential towers in the valley this Hajj season.
The sixth tower will be ready next year bringing the total capacity of the project to 19,200 pilgrims, according to a report published today by the Jeddah-based Arab News.
The six 13-storey buildings are of two categories. Three buildings in category 'A' will accommodate a total of 10,800 pilgrims while category 'B' buildings will house 8,400 pilgrims.
The first three floors in all six towers are reserved for services and utilities, such as reception offices, restaurants, clinics, lounges and prayer halls.
The remaining 10 floors in each of the category 'A' buildings will accommodate 3,600 pilgrims. Each floor, with an area of 1,220 square meters, will have 18 residential units with space for 360 pilgrims.
Category 'B' buildings will be able to accommodate a total of 8,400 pilgrims. Like category 'A' buildings, each unit in category 'B' will accommodate 20 pilgrims.
Pilgrims reception arrangements completed at Prophet's Mosque
Holy City of Madinah, 19 Nov 07
The Agency of the General Presidency for the affairs of the Prophet's Mosque has completed all required arrangements for the reception of the visitors of the Prophet's Mosque during this year's Hajj season.
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Falih, the Vice-president of the affairs of the Prophet's Mosque, said in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, the agency will exert all possible efforts to ensure the comfort of the visitors.
Official inspects Miqat Mosques' preparations for pilgrims
Taif, Saudi Arabia 17 Nov 07
The Director General for Endowment, Mosques, Call and Guidance in Taif region, Al- Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Bakheet Al-mudarah has conducted a tour of 'Miqat' Mosque in 'Al-sail Al-kabeer.'
During the tour, he got acquainted with all preparations which are being undertaken to receive pilgrims during this Hajj Season.
He said Maintenance and Cleaning works at two Miqat Mosques at Al-sail Al-kabeer and Wadi Al-muhrum were given to Bin Laden group - under follow up and instruction of The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance
Sheikh Salih bin Abdul-aziz Al Al-sheikh, for the year 2008 in order to upgrade the services and facilities being extended to the pilgrims.
He disclosed that The Two Miqat Mosques, God willing, will soon witness a great development in services and investment domains.
Khalid Al-Faisal chairs Central Hajj Committee Meeting
Holy City of Makkah, 17 Nov 07
The Central Hajj Committee held here today a meeting presided over by Prince Khalid Al-faisal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region and chairman of the committee.
Secretary of the committee Mohammad Al-shafe'i said the meeting dealt with plans and preparations of the governmental bodies for this year's Hajj.
During the meeting, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal urged the concerned departments to implement these plans and program in an efficient manner.
The Central Hajj Committee will hold on Saturday a meeting under the chairmanship of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah Region.
The meeting comes on the directive of Prince Khalid, the Chairman of the Committee to review all plans and programs prepared by the concern quarters to serve pilgrims, said the Secretary of the Committee Mohamed bin Ali Al-shafei.
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