Latest news with #PermanentCommitteefor
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Field teams ensure smooth departures of pilgrims from Prince Mohammed Airport in Madinah
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH — Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah is witnessing a hectic activity with a busy schedule of flights. The airport operates 24/7 with flights leaving to various destinations around the world carrying pilgrims leaving to their home countries after completing the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Field teams exert strenuous to ensure pilgrims arrive at designated airport lounges well in advance of their departure time to avoid flight delays. This allows them to complete baggage inspection, transportation, packaging, and shipping services, as well as complete departure procedures with ease and comfort. This is done in full coordination between relevant authorities and under the supervision of the Permanent Committee for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation in the Emirate, ensuring the smooth flow of pilgrims leaving the country.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj Permanent Committee discusses early preparations for Hajj 2026
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Deputy Emir of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Saud bin Mishaal chaired a meeting of the committee to discuss early preparations for the Hajj season of 2026. This is in line with the directives of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah Region, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. Prince Saud conveyed Prince Khaled Al-Faisal's appreciation to committee members for their efforts during Hajj 1446 AH, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the positive outcomes of this year's Hajj and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts, enhance cooperation, and begin early planning to meet the aspirations of the leadership through further improving the pilgrimage experience. The committee reviewed key measures to develop the Hajj system further and deliver improved services to pilgrims in the upcoming season. The meeting also examined the operations during pilgrims' departure through various entry and exit points, as well as other items on the agenda. Several recommendations were issued to support continued development and readiness for the next Hajj season.
Saudi Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Madinah Emir reviews operational readiness at Prophet's Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH— Emir of Madinah and Chairman of the region's Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Salman bin Sultan conveyed greetings and appreciation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to security personnel and entities participating in Hajj missions. The leadership's appreciation recognized the personnel's dedicated efforts to serve pilgrims and acknowledged the significant responsibility they bear in maintaining the security and comfort of the Prophet's Mosque. Prince Salman made the remarks after a field visit to the Prophet's Mosque, to review its operational readiness, coinciding with the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims from Makkah after completing this year's Hajj rituals. Hajj was carried out smoothly, supported by extensive services provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince. Serving pilgrims remains a top priority for the Kingdom's leadership, reflecting its commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Tighter controls, solid coordination keys to success of this Haj season
MAKKAH: A photograph of members of the Saudi Arabian security forces lying on the road after completing their duties at the end of the Haj season has captured the hearts of many. The image, posted on Pakistan Tribune's Facebook page, bore the caption 'Heroes of Hajj: Saudi Security Staff Resting on the Ground After Completing Hajj Duty'. They have truly earned the 'hero' tag. These individuals were at the frontline to ensure that this year's Haj season proceeded smoothly and safely. Those who have been to the Holy Land are already familiar with their role. Although uncompromising when carrying out their duty, their warmth when dealing with pilgrims both during the Haj and Umrah seasons is no secret. The Haj season for 1446 Hijrah officially ended last night when the last group of pilgrims vacated their tents in Mina and headed for Makkah. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who is Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, announced the success of this year's Haj season in terms of security, health, and services. For the majority of the more than 1.67 million pilgrims, the 1446 Hijrah Haj season is undoubtedly a success. In terms of security, strictness was evident, especially in tackling the issue of illegal Haj pilgrims. The authorities, through the 'No Haj Without a Permit' campaign, managed to stem the entry of such groups. 269,000 WITHOUT HAJ PERMITS BARRED FROM MAKKAH Based on records, more than 269,000 unregistered individuals were barred from entering Makkah this Haj season while 400 companies had their haj services licences revoked for breaking the rules. 'No Haj Without a Permit' is more than a campaign but a stern commitment from Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and organised Haj journey. For example, the last Haj season saw more than 1,300 heat stroke-related deaths when temperatures soared between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius. The majority of these involved illegal Haj pilgrims who entered Makkah to perform the Haj 'in secret' without going through the proper channels to ensure safety and organisation. This was among the major reasons for the Saudi government's strict enforcement, which is to reduce any risks of fatalities and more importantly, to prevent history from repeating itself. A more organised and safe Haj process is key towards effective management of the Haj, including in the aspect of managing the pilgrims' health, which is bolstered by the presence of more than 5,000 volunteers. These volunteers support the health services in three main areas namely prevention, treatment and support services. The biggest success is unquestionably in terms of managing the risk of heat stroke, especially in reducing the number of fatalities among the pilgrims from extreme heat. INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION In the context of services, praise has to be accorded to inter-agency and ministry coordination which was key to the smoothness and comfort of the Haj experience. For example, Saudi Arabia activated the world's largest cooling system in Masjidil Haram in Makkah, and in Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, for the comfort of the pilgrims and to prevent heat-related risks, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. More than 400 cooling stations in major locations, and 'white roads' as heat reflectors were introduced to ensure cooler surface temperatures. Walkways are also covered, with cooling facilities provided for the ease and comfort of the pilgrims. As the season reached its peak, Saudi Arabia also engaged artificial intelligence (AI) powered drones for various purposes including crowd surveillance to prevent crushes, spot potential heat-related emergencies and the delivery of critical medicine directly to locations. Pilgrims' movement was also smooth and orderly, thanks to the systematic transportation network strengthened by more than 25,000 buses and the Mashair Metro rail. In short, Saudi Arabia's success in the management of the 1446 Hijrah Haj is a manifestation of solid cooperation and coordination by all, transcending agencies and ministries. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, taking into account constant changes. What is clear is that this Haj season, the Saudi government's focus was on security, which is the foundation of an organised and safe journey. Prince Saud had said that preparations for the next Hajj season will begin immediately. It is evident that an analysis of what transpired during this Haj season will also be taken into account. 1.67 MILLION PILGRIMS THE IDEAL NUMBER? One must also consider - was the success of this Haj season due to 1.67 million pilgrims being the ideal number? Based on records, this was the lowest number of pilgrims since 1991 (1412 Hijrah) with the exception of the three years the world experienced the Covid-19 pandemic (1441 to 1443 Hijrah). However, it must also be considered that the 1.67 million pilgrims this season is a 'solid' number, meaning without the presence of illegal Haj pilgrims unlike years past. Nevertheless, the responsibility of ensuring the smoothness of the Haj should not be shouldered by Saudi Arabia alone. Questions have to be asked over how much commitment is taken on by other countries, including Malaysia. This includes ensuring that issues such as Haj scams and fraudulent Haj packages, which expose potential pilgrims to difficulties, are successfully stamped out. It pains the heart to constantly hear of how easily some quarters abuse religion to rake in profits. Such issues, which besmirch the name of Islam, need to be addressed effectively.
Gulf Business
16-04-2025
- Gulf Business
Travelling for Hajj? Here's what you need to know
Image credit: Getty Images Saudi authorities are currently reviewing the progress of development projects underway at the holy sites across the Kingdom. The first related meeting was that of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal. Plans and preparations for Hajj The committee reviewed plans and preparations for Hajj 2025 and evaluated the progress of ongoing projects set to be operational during this year's pilgrimage. Discussions also focused on the full readiness of operational plans from various authorities for the upcoming Hajj season. Read- Some of the development projects reviewed include: Restoration of mosques in Mina and Arafat, along with projects by the Kidana Company Shading of pedestrian paths in Mina, covering around 50,000 square meters Shading and cooling of paths in Arafat, over 60,000 square meters Installation of canopies with mist fans in the Jabal Al-Rahmah area (785 square meters) to mitigate direct sunlight and regulate temperature A heat stress mitigation project at Namirah Mosque, covering 85,000 square meters Afforestation and vegetation projects at holy sites The committee also reviewed afforestation initiatives aiming to plant 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and ease conditions for pilgrims. Additionally, the committee examined a project to establish 400 drinking water coolers and rest areas for pilgrims over 28,000 square meters between the holy sites. Emergency and first aid centers As part of the preparations, authorities plan to establish 15 emergency and first aid centers, along with 71 emergency and first aid launch points along the Hajj route. These centers aim to provide urgent medical services, logistical support, water, snacks, and guidance services to pilgrims. Muzdalifah Haram Path Project Special attention was given to the second phase of the Muzdalifah Haram Path Project, which spans 170,000 square meters. This phase includes rubber flooring, green spaces, rest areas, water fountains, and misting fans. The project also entails building 64 two-story restroom complexes and upgrading 135 compactor bin sites in Mina to enhance waste storage capacity during the Hajj season. Passports Directorate begins issuing Makkah entry permits The The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 15. Permits are being issued through the Ministry of Interior's Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal. Tasreeh platform Thanks to technical integration with the Tasreeh platform, expatriates working during Hajj no longer need to visit Jawazat offices in person to obtain their permits. Absher Individuals platform The Absher Individuals platform enables permit issuance for domestic workers, dependents, Premium Residency holders, investors, mothers of citizens, and Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, upon submission of the required documents. Makkah entry permits Permits for workers at Makkah-based establishments are issued through the Muqeem portal. Holders of seasonal work visas and those with contracts for Hajj-related employment can also apply through this portal.
