According to the security spokesman of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, twenty-five individuals were penalized for breaching Haj regulations by transporting 103 people without appropriate permits. During the daily press conference for this year's Haj at Arafat on Saturday, Col Talal Al-Shalhoub announced the completion of the first phase of the Haj security plans, ensuring all pilgrims reached Arafat on time. The pilgrims will continue their journey after a night at Muzdalifah, moving back to Mina to stay during Eid Al Adha on Sunday and the following Tashreeq days. Security forces are deployed to facilitate the movement of vehicles on routes to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, and to assist pedestrian pilgrims on designated paths. Security personnel are also supporting the organization of pilgrim transport via shuttle services and managing crowds at Mashaer Train stations in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, along with organizing pedestrian traffic from Muzdalifah to Mina and connecting routes to the Grand Mosque and Jamarat facility. Additionally, they are managing crowds at the Grand Mosque for the performance of Tawaf Al-Ifadah, a key Hajj ritual. Col Al-Shalhoub urged pilgrims to adhere to regulations, comply with specified times, routes, and directions for performing Tawaf Al Ifadah and the ritual stoning at Jamrat Al-Aqaba on Sunday. Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Al Abdel Aali, the Ministry of Health's spokesman, confirmed the success of the health plan on Arafat Day, noting that over 112,000 pilgrims have received comprehensive medical services since the start of Dhul Qada until Arafat Day, including 20 open-heart surgeries, 230 cardiac catheterizations, and 819 kidney dialysis operations, along with monitoring 569 cases of heat exhaustion. He advised pilgrims to use umbrellas to avoid sunstroke and thermal shock and to follow other preventive measures such as avoiding direct sun exposure, staying hydrated, and taking regular breaks. Ayed Al-Ghuwaynem, undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs, announced the successful transport of pilgrims to Arafat by 10:30 a.m., emphasizing the continuous presence of field teams to ensure pilgrims' rights are upheld during their rituals. Saleh Al-Zowaid, the transportation system spokesman, reported the transport of over 300,000 pilgrims via the Mashaer Train.
Text: Lara Palmer
16.06.2024
Saudi Ministry Updates on Haj Operations, Health Services, and Transportation Management