Madinah gets ready to receive pilgrims
The Ministry of Finance will help in getting the new center set up and will put up signs to welcome and send off Umrah and Haj pilgrims, the Arab News reports. The instructions came at a meeting of the Haj committee in Madinah, during which officials reviewed the latest operational arrangements made by private and government entities for the upcoming Haj season. Prince Faisal stressed the importance of implementing the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to ensure the success of this year's Haj. Sami Esawi, director-general of Haj and Umrah Affairs in Madinah, reiterated the importance of cooperating with the General Investment Fund in getting the site ready, while Talal Al-Raddadi, secretary-general of the Madinah Development Authority, reviewed the progress made by the team responsible for the center. The team was formed on recommendation made by the the outgoing Haj committee, which said that a new service office should be set up in the central area, in addition to posting an updated map of the area and providing directions to government offices. Prince Faisal issued directives to ensure that these maps are available for wide distribution and also recommended the creation of an electronic app for smartphones, in addition to enhance signs in and around the Prophet's Mosque. The chairman of the Haj accommodation committee said that the committee had achieved a 92-percent success rate in meeting accommodation targets, estimated at 300,000 beds. The target would be fully met in a few days, he said. Prince Faisal stressed the importance of completing accommodation arrangements in time for the busy season. Delegates also reviewed operational plans put forth by the Haj Ministry's branch in Madinah and the private Adila Haj and Umrah service provider. The Islamic University in Madinah, meanwhile, has implemented the second phase of a training program for government employees who come into direct contact with visitors, residents and citizens in a bid to ensure outstanding services and enhance interpersonal skills. Ali Al-Zahrani, program supervisor, said 38 employees from various government agencies participated in the training program.
