12Jan2003 Authorities review Hajj preparations

Jiddah, 12th January 2003

The Central Hajj Committee met here yesterday to review preparations for the forthcoming Hajj season, particularly arrangements for transporting pilgrims and providing them with essential commodities.

The meeting, chaired by Prince Abdul-Majeed bin Abdul-Aziz, Governor of Makkah Region, discussed Saudi Arabian Airlines’ plan to transport more pilgrims this year from different parts of the world. The Committee urged the Airline to complete arrival and departure formalities for pilgrims within an hour of their arrival, and to guarantee aviation security.

Mohammed Al-Shafie, Secretary of the Committee, said that the Committee reviewed preparations at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jiddah to receive the pilgrims. It also discussed the plans of the Saudi Red Crescent Society to provide first aid to pilgrims, and Makkah Municipality’s plans to ensure cleanliness in the holy city.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Sajeeni, Director of the Passport Department, yesterday stated that his department has completed all preparations to receive hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at the Kingdom’s various entry points. “We have worked out a comprehensive plan to receive the pilgrims,” he said, adding that the plan is centred on facilitating procedures and enabling pilgrims reach Makkah and Madinah in the shortest possible time. Sajeeni said that his department has deployed sufficient officers at airports, seaports and border entry points to handle the immense Hajj traffic.

Source: SPA

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