MAKKAH: Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the director of Saudi Public Security, has stated the Umrah security plan for Ramadan 2024 includes a well-organized system to manage crowds, especially during prayer times, with specific attention given to Tarawih and TaHajjud prayers.
During the Ministry of Interior’s press conference for senior Umrah security figures in Makkah on Saturday, he noted that the plan for Umrah during Ramadan will undergo a review, adding that the Mataf courtyard and ground floor will be exclusively reserved for Umrah performers.
Al-Bassami stated that special teams have been deployed to address issues such as begging and sleeping in prohibited areas, which disrupt the flow of pilgrims and worshippers. Anyone caught engaging in these activities will be arrested.
He added that the plan encompasses various areas, including security, crowd control, traffic management, humanitarian aid, and assistance to service organizations.
Al-Bassami said that transportation stations near the Grand Mosque, along the first, second, and third ring roads, as well as the entrances to Makkah, are now operational. These stations play a crucial role in managing traffic to the Grand Mosque.
“There is a high demand for Umrah at the start of Ramadan, with the third Saudi expansion allocated for worshippers,” he said, adding that entry and exit are organized to ensure the safety of worshippers walking to and from the vicinity of the Grand Mosque.
“The Grand Mosque and its surroundings are reserved for worship, and visitors are encouraged to assist in serving pilgrims,” he said, asking worshippers two provide space for individuals with special needs so as to not be overwhelmed.
Al-Bassami predicts that over 57 million Umrah pilgrims will travel by bus this year. “As a result, we have successfully reduced the number of vehicles entering the central district by over 7 million. Additionally, we have utilized 3,000 buses across 16 routes and 13 stations,” he said.
The acting director general of Civil Defense, Maj. Gen. Hamoud Al-Faraj, stated that the directorate commenced its operations early to guarantee the safety of Umrah pilgrims and other visitors in Makkah and Madinah.
“Employees of the directorate conducted 5,645 safety tours and educated visitors and pilgrims through media and mobile exhibitions,” he said.
Al-Faraj added: “Civil Defense centers are located in Makkah, comprising seasonal centers, rapid intervention teams, preventive supervision points, mobile units, field support for machinery and heavy equipment, specialized teams, and the Haram Support Force in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
“These centers are supported by dedicated volunteers and utilize technology and artificial intelligence, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of individuals during the Umrah season.”
Deputy Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba discussed the preparations of the General Directorate of Passports to facilitate the arrival and departure procedures of Umrah pilgrims and visitors at all air, land, and sea ports.
He emphasized the need to coordinate and harmonize efforts, providing support and assistance to all agencies involved in serving them while also enhancing awareness among pilgrims and visitors.
Security chief announces Makkah crowd control plan for Ramadan
https://arab.news/mmrg4
Security chief announces Makkah crowd control plan for Ramadan
- Mataf courtyard ground floor reserved for Umrah performers during the holy month
- Beggars, rough sleepers face arrest for obstructing pilgrims; worshipers asked to give special consideration to those with special needs
Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter on Monday.
The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.
“During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.
He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.”
Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.
“You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,” he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.
“I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,” he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.
Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.
“It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,” he said.
“So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I’m on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.”
Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: “I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.”
Hungary’s ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.
“It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.”
He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.
Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.
Structural restoration of Abha’s Al-Dagal Fortress completed
- Century-old landmark in northwest Abha gets major face-lift
JEDDAH: A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, has been completed.
The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, involved rebuilding collapsed sections of the walls and renovating internal areas.
The team used erosion-resistant granite and juniper wood for the roof and applied a layer of gypsum to the external walls to protect against water infiltration and improve its aesthetic appeal.
Located in the northwest of Abha, Asir Province, Al-Dagal Fortress dates back to the early 20th century. Built on a rugged peak more than 2,300 meters above sea level it measures 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern facade.
The natural slopes and rock formations on the northern and western sides were incorporated into its design to enhance its strength.
The fortress has three main areas: a command and control unit, the soldiers’ quarters and a service unit. A long central corridor runs through the structure, dividing it into eastern and western wings.
It also has a large stone oven for baking bread, a granary and a designated area for preparing haneeth — a traditional Asir dish of rice and lamb — which highlights the site’s cultural and social significance.
Renovation works are ongoing at the site but once completed the fortress is expected to be opened to the public.
Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts
- Calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Monday with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, amid growing regional concern over the escalation between Israel and Iran.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.
Both sides reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the fallout from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliation, which have prompted fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.
Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh
- Discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts
RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance them. Both officials also discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts.
In a separate meeting, Elkhereiji held talks with Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Omani Ambassador Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi. They discussed fraternal relations between the two countries and topics of mutual interest.
Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province
- The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land
RIYADH: More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The trees were planted by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, working with 51 other entities, under a program launched in November.
The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land.
The scheme is part of the nationwide Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees — 600 million by 2030 — and rehabilitate more than 40 million hectares of land.
As well as planting trees, the center has been engaged in a program of environmental monitoring, combating illegal logging and raising public awareness across the Eastern Province.
It also works to prevent sand encroachment in farming areas that are at risk of soil degradation and uses native plant species to populate its afforestation areas in order to maintain the ecological balance of local habitats.
The center also organizes the National Afforestation Season in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
