Saudi Government Agencies’ Participation in Haj Reduced

Makkah, 04 Dzulhijjah 1437/06 September 2016  (MINA)  – The number of ministries and government departments involved in Haj services will be reduced to cut down their presence in the Holy Sites, Saudi Gazette reported on Monday, quoting informed sources.

They said the decision, issued by the Supreme Authority, will exempt the departments concerned with security, justice and health.

Though the Ministry of Justice will be present through its courts and circuits to consider legal issues during Haj, there will not be any presence of the Supreme Judicial Council or the High Court in the Holy Sites.

Meanwhile, Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is the chairman of the Central Haj Committee, on Sunday handed over the Kaaba kiswah to the chief custodian of the House of Allah Saleh Bin Zainul Abideen Al-Sheebi.

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The Kaaba will have new kiswah on 9 Dzulhijjah, the day of the Standing in Arafat.

The Al-Sheebi clan have been the carriers of the Kaaba key since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Meanwhile, Civil Defense teams in the Grand Mosque in Makkah were able to rescue more than 170 pilgrims who collapsed as a result of heat exhaustion and fatigue.

Director of the Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Amr said they have mobilized more than 17,000 personnel supplied with more than 3,000 vehicles and rescue equipment to provide maximum degree of safety to pilgrims.

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Director of the Civil Defense in Makkah Brig. Ahmed Al-Dilaiwi said 110 fire fighting units were set up to deal with fires and any other emergency situations.

He said the teams will be working from 37 field centers and 14 newly established seasonal locations in Makkah and the Holy Sites.

Director of traffic in Makkah Col. Bassem Al-Badri said plans were made and would be thoroughly implemented to ensure the smooth traffic movement in Makkah and the Holy Sites.

He said the central area around the Haram would be dedicated to pedestrians. (T/R07/R01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)