Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Chairs Meeting of Central Hajj Committee

The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)
The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)
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Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Chairs Meeting of Central Hajj Committee

The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)
The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)

Governor of the Makkah Region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz and Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz chaired on Tuesday a meeting of the Central Hajj Committee in Jeddah.

The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.

The Holy Makkah Municipality presented its plan for this year's Hajj, which involves 11,800 employees and workers and 28 municipal service centers in the holy sites.

These centers are strategically located throughout the holy sites area, operate around the clock and boast the necessary workforce and logistical support.

Central teams have been allocated to handle emergencies.

The municipality has also prepared teams and committees to oversee markets, food stores, restaurants, cleaning, and environmental sanitation.

The Ministry of Health has prepared 16 hospitals, 123 health centers, and five seasonal health centers in Makkah and the holy sites.

The Supreme Authority for Hajj Transport Control presented its operational plan for transporting pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque, which involves 3,500 buses. Around 12 million trips will be carried out during the Hajj.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.