Summary: The period of receiving requests for `Umrah visas was extended to 15/9/1434 A.H.

Details:

As a result of the coordination between the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the period of receiving requests for `Umrah visas was extended to 15/9/1434 A.H.

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Summary: His Excellency the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, announced that "The Fiqh of priorities during Hajj" will be the topic of the Grand Hajj Symposium during its 38th session this year. The symposium, which is habitually established in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, will be held during the period from the 3rd till the 5th of next Dhul-Hijjah with the participation of a number of scholars and researchers from inside and outside the Kingdom.

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His Excellency the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, announced that "The Fiqh of priorities during Hajj" will be the topic of the Grand Hajj Symposium during its 38^th session this year. The symposium, which is habitually established in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, will be held during the period from the 3^rd till the 5^th of next Dhul-Hijjah with the participation of a number of scholars and researchers from inside and outside the Kingdom.

His Excellency determined the principal objectives which will be included under the topic of the symposium to inculcate and spread the Fiqh of priorities among Muslims as a scientific and practical requirement, and assert its application during the performance of Hajj and its rituals so that they can be performed with ease and tranquility, in addition to clarifying its relationship during Hajj to its purposes and explaining the relationship of the Fiqh of priorities to acts of worship and the individual achieving good rewards, as well as its relationship to protecting the society and preventing dangers from afflicting it. The Fiqh of priorities also decreases the problems of Hajj and pilgrims, especially the problem of crowdedness.

He also stated that the Fiqh of priorities discussed in the Grand Hajj Symposium will emphasize the authentic concept of religion and worship which considers different conditions and cases without causing severity or any neglect of duties, in addition to proving the greatness of the Islamic legislation and the flexibility of its Fiqh, as it comprises effective principles and procedures which guarantee the stability of purposes and principles and consider different conditions and capabilities. The symposium also aims to enrich Islamic Fiqh and its library with elite scientific researches on this important topic, which have been carried out by a number of Islamic scholars.

He asserted that the topic of the symposium this year coincided with the decrease in the number of pilgrims and the aim to to give room for those who are performing Hajj for the first time, because wisdom entails considering priorities to achieve the objectives of Islamic Law by safeguarding one's/people's religion, self, mind, honor and money to provide safety and tranquility for the pilgrims. He also mentioned that the aspects of the symposium will fall under: "The Fiqh of priorities, its meaning and different aspects", "The Fiqh of priorities concerning the Hajj rituals", "The practical effects of the Fiqh of priorities during Hajj" and "Bright practical sides of the Fiqh of priorities concerning the performed rituals".

His Excellency the minister of Hajj indicated that the Ministry tries through the Grand Hajj Symposium to bring to light the cultural and civil role undertaken by the Kingdom to serve Hajj and the pilgrims, to stress the cultural and civil role of the sacred city and its citizens along the different ages and to emphasize the most important leading achievements and projects and the continuous advancements of the Two Holy Mosques in serving Muslims, especially during the era of the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques King `Abdullah bin `Abdul-`Aziz Al-Saud – may Allah protect him. By means of this symposium, the Ministry also tries to inculcate the principle of calm intellectual dialogue concerning the issues of the Islamic Nation during the season of Hajj, in which a large number of pilgrims attend.

He finally added that the Ministry, through the symposium, wishes to achieve constructive scientific contact among scientific organizations and specialized researchers from most of the countries all over the world, achieving more integration and socialization among the sons of the Islamic Nation and setting the basis of the united team work for the sons of the Islamic world in the field of clarifying doubtful matters concerning the doctrine and the Nation, in addition to identifying the achievements of the Ministry in serving Hajj and the pilgrims as an effort to carry out the purposeful policy of the state to provide the best services for pilgrims, Mu`tamirs and visitors.

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Summary: His Excellency the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar Hajjar, announced that the Ministry of Hajj is carefully studying the establishment of a city for receiving and grouping pilgrims and Mu`tamirs to complete the set of developed services that the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques, King `Abdullah bin `Abdul-`Aziz ordered to be carried out in Makkah and the sacred sites. At the present time, these locations are undergoing great developmental work, including the projects of expanding the circumambulation path, the Holy Mosque of Makkah and the Mosque of the Prophet , in addition to other giant projects at the airports of entry in Jeddah and Madinah.

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His Excellency the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, announced that the Ministry of Hajj is carefully studying the establishment of a city for receiving and grouping pilgrims and Mu`tamirs to complete the set of developed services that the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques, King `Abdullah bin `Abdul-`Aziz Al-Saud – may Allah protect him – ordered to be carried out in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the sacred sites. At the present time, these locations are undergoing great developmental work, including the projects of expanding the circumambulation path, the Holy Mosque of Makkah and the Mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him), in addition to other giant projects at the airports of entry in Jeddah and Madinah.

His Excellency also explained that the sum of 62 billion Riyals that His Royal Highness – may Allah protect him – commanded to be devoted to providing and promoting an advanced transportation web last Ramadan is considered – by the virtue of Allah – a stepping stone during this blessed era; and that generously spending money on everything that is related to the continuous advancement of the services provided for the Guests of Allah is a top priority for the wise leadership, may Allah grant it success.

His Excellency the Minister of Hajj mentioned that one of the most important objectives of the city for receiving and grouping pilgrims and Mu`tamirs is to gather all the events and services offered for the Guests of Allah in one place that can be easily reached, especially during the peak period of the seasons of Hajj and `Umrah.

He also clarified that the wheel of developmental studies in the Ministry of Hajj is proceeding well and is an integral component of the viewpoint of the princedom of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, represented by the Higher Organization for Promoting Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the Sacred Sites; it is also compatible with the strategy which the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques outlined for serving the Guests of Allah throughout the next 25 years, in which all the participating bodies will cooperate to achieve the expectations of the leadership by expending all precious and valuable resources for the welfare of the Guests of Allah and the visitors of the Mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

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Summary: Under Discussion: A dialogue with the Deputy Minister of Hajj for `Umrah Affairs

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​Under Discussion: A dialogue with `Isa ibn Muhammad Al-Rawwas, the Deputy Minister of Hajj for `Umrah Affairs, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Summary: Faysal is informed of the project for the city to receive and bid farewell to the Guests of Allah

Details:

​His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faysal, the Prince of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, entertained the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar Hajjar, in his office in Jeddah. Dr. Hajjar informed His Highness of the Ministry's preparations for the seasons of Hajj and `Umrah.

During the meeting, Dr. Hajjar outlined the Ministry's initiative for establishing a city for receiving and bidding farewell to the pilgrims inside Makkah Al-Mukarramah, which would include all the Hajj groups and all the services needed by the Guests of Allah, and also include residential units, offices for `Umrah companies, museums, exhibitions and legacy markets, in addition to other services.

The Minister of Hajj also mentioned that a committee following several different bodies had been formed to undertake an assessment of the requirements of the city, while the Ministry works to determine a suitable location for the project. He noted that this would be presented to His Highness, the Prince of Makkah, for him to issue directions and for his approval after studying the recommendations.

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Summary: The General Chief of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudais, asserted that the first phase of increasing the capacity of the path of circumambulation in the Holy Mosque of Makkah from 45 thousand to 105 thousand persons would be finished by mid-Ramadan.

Details:

The General Chief of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudais, asserted that the first phase of increasing the capacity of the path of circumambulation in the Holy Mosque of Makkah from 45 thousand to 105 thousand persons, in addition to the suspended circumambulation path allocated for the elderly, ill and handicapped people, would be finished by mid-Ramadan. He also added that the suspended circumambulation bridge would be parallel to the Mukabbiriyah (a roof-like structure for the muezzin) and the Abbasid porches, forming a circle around the Ka`bah. He also added that the contractor undertaking the implementation of the project asserted that the first phase would be completed by mid-Ramadan.

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Summary: The Ministry of Hajj and `Umrah asserted that it will not allow any increase in the number of Mu`tamirs, due to the extensions that are being made in the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

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​The Ministry of Hajj and `Umrah asserted that it will not allow any increase in the number of Mu`tamirs, due to the extensions that are being made in the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Spokesman Hatim Qadi, the Deputy Hajj Minister, mentioned that the Ministry has set rules for `Umrah companies, because of the extensions, which state the any Mu`tamir should not stay in Makkah and Madinah for more than 15 days, to prevent an increase in the number of Mu`tamirs and the resulting crowdedness in the Holy Mosque. He added that since the beginning of the season of `Umrah last Safar, 4 million and 200 thousand Mu`tamirs had arrived, 3 million and 900 thousand of which had already left and 250 thousands still remain in Makkah and Madinah; he noted that the Ministry tries to keep this number stable by controlling the flow of Mu`tamirs into and out of Saudi Arabia.

He revealed that the number of companies participating this season reached 47, and no violations have been observed concerning their performances. He also added that the Ministry imposes strict field censorship on the companies through follow-up committees, under the direct supervision of Bandar Hajjar, the Minister of Hajj; he explained that there are more than 300 follow-up teams, which perform daily field tours in the residences of Mu`tamirs, twenty four hours per day, to receive any complaints and observations. Qadi also noted that the companies do their best to avoid committing violations because if they committed any considerable violation they would be punished by being prevented from increasing the number of Mu`tamirs they could have the next season.

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Summary: His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, asserted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia works hard to serve Islam, the Muslims and the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah with total sincerity and devotion. Carrying out this responsibility is the first priority of the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques, King `Abdullah bin `Abdul-`Aziz Al-Saud – may Allah protect him, as he has devoted all the possible financial and human potentials needed to achieve this purpose.

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​His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, asserted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia works hard to serve Islam, the Muslims and the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah with total sincerity and devotion. Carrying out this responsibility is the first priority of the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques, King `Abdullah bin `Abdul-`Aziz Al-Saud – may Allah protect him, as he has devoted all the possible financial and human potentials needed to achieve this purpose.

In an interview with His Eminence on channel one of Saudi television, he stated that "the decision of decreasing domestic pilgrims by 50% and international pilgrims by 20% is only interim and an exceptional situation, and cannot be viewed in isolation, without considering the legal area of the sacred sites available for performing these rituals. This is because there is an increasing number of pilgrims and Mu`tamirs but only a limited area at the sacred sites and the Two Holy Mosques, a limited time and still the need to fulfill a particular objective, which is to provide the highest possible degree of services for pilgrims from the moment of their arrival until their departure. To achieve this objective, extensions should be made within the legal and Fiqhi area which is specified for performing the rituals to guarantee the safety of pilgrims. Thus, a number of expansionary projects have already started."

He explained that the project of the current expansions of the Holy Mosque of Makkah will add an area of 400,000 m² to the current area so as to be able to include 2 million and 200 thousand persons, noting that the area of the Holy Mosque of Makkah is four times the area of Holy Makkah during the era of the righteous Caliphs. As for the Masaa (the place where pilgrims go between Safa and Marwah), it used to hold 44 thousand people per hour before the expansions, while after the expansion project its capacity increased to 130 thousand people per hour, taking into account all stories and also the rooftop. Moreover, the pebble-throwing bridge which used to be only one storey at the time of its establishment is now composed of six stories, and will be twelve stories by the end of the expansions, so as to be able to hold 5 million pebble-throwers per day at the rate of 300 thousand throwers per hour.

His Eminence the Minister of Hajj also explained that the expansion of the Holy Mosque in Madinah will enable the mosque to hold one million and 600 thousand additional praying persons, to reach a capacity of more than two million praying persons, noting that the allowance for the increase of pilgrims is related to previous agreements which permit 1 for every 1000 or 1000 for every million, for every country, of the total of its population, so increasing with the increase in the number of the population of each country, referring to the fact that the number of pilgrims, unlike that of Mu`tamirs, is controlled by certain ratios and agreements.

Dr. Muhammad Hajjar also said, "The expansions involve digging tunnels through mountains to connect the Holy Mosque in Makkah to Mina and to the districts of Makkah; there are 54 tunnels covering a length of 30 km and a width that ranges between 11 to 15 m, in addition to tunnels specified for pedestrians which are provided with all means of safety, decreasing the distance from the Holy mosque to Mina or any district in Makkah so as to take only 10 to 15 minutes by foot. A committee is also studying how to provide the site of `Arafah with permanent tents, like that in the site of Mina."

His Eminence explained that the circumambulation path takes 48 thousand persons per hour before the expansion project, which will be finished, according to the directives of the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques, in three years time, after which it will be able to take 105 circumambulation persons per hour.  He also explained that the capacity of the circumambulation path will decrease to 22 thousand persons per hour while work is being carried out on the project, noting that the contractor who is undertaking the expansion project will try his best to let the number of circumambulating persons reach 35 thousand per hour during next Ramadan, since the purpose of the project is to increase the capacity and keep the pilgrims and Mu`tamirs safe from the dangers of crowdedness. He also added that the contractor will establish a bridge for the handicapped during circumambulation, which will take 8000 handicapped circumambulating persons.

Moreover, His Eminence mentioned that one of the expansionary projects is that of general transportation, which includes moving by train, metro and all other means of transportation, and for which 62 billion riyals were devoted, in addition to the project of the train of the Two Holy Mosques, which connects Madinah to Makkah and then Jeddah, decreasing the time taken between Madinah and Makkah to two hours, at a speed of 300 km per hour, and half an hour between Makkah and Jeddah. He stated that the train of the sacred sites managed to do without 30 thousand vehicles which used to move through the sites, decreasing the ratio of pollution by 86%.

He added that the `Umrah visas granted to companies up until the first of Sha`ban, 1434, reached 4 million and 630 thousand visas, an increase of 124 thousand visas over last year. Moreover, the number of people who have entered the Kingdom to perform `Umrah since the beginning of Safar till the beginning of the current Sha`ban reached 3 million and 960 Mu`tamirs, a difference of 317 Mu`tamirs from last year, explaining that rules were imposed so that the number of people coming to perform `Umrah does not exceed 500 thousand per day, to guarantee the continuity of the expansion project of the circumambulation path. The companies will be provided with the requested visas on condition that the tourism agency provides the Mu`tamir with a licensed residence, noting that there is a commitment in the Mu`tamir's program stating that the visas should be used within the specified period, given that this system is applied during Sha`ban and Ramadan.

His Eminence declared that there are 120 thousand rooms that have a license from the agency of tourism and antiquities, with a capacity to take 480 thousand Mu`tamirs, and that there is an electronic system as well as excellent regulations for following the Mu`tamirs who lag in the kingdom after the departure of their groups. This is bceause the number of Mu`tamirs in 1426 A.H. was 2 million and 800 Mu`tamirs and the number of those who lagged behind was 540 thousands, while the number of Mu`tamirs last year was 5 and a half million and the number of those who lagged behind reached 8000; thus the number of the Mu`tamirs who lagged after the departure of their groups decreased due to the regulations imposed by the Ministry of Hajj, since the ministry stated that it had to approve of the operative plan of any company before the company could abide by any commitments to entertain any Mu`tamirs.

His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar bin Muhammad Hajjar, asserted at the end of the interview that the Ministry is the authority responsible for documenting the contracts of residence and services for all international pilgrims, explaining that there are six organizations responsible for circumambulation, in addition to the civil organization for guides in Madinah and the united agents office, since there is a field service under each organization. 

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Summary: His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, met His Eminence the ambassador of the Republic of Singapore appointed in the kingdom, Mr. Lawrence Anderson, at his office in Jeddah on Sunday 30/7/1434 A.H.

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​His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, met His Eminence the ambassador of the Republic of Singapore appointed in the kingdom, Mr. Lawrence Anderson, at his office in Jeddah on Sunday 30/7/1434 A.H.

During the meeting, all the issues related to the pilgrims and Mu`tamirs of Singapore for the current year, 1434 A.H., were discussed.

The honored ambassador appreciated the efforts of the Servant of the Two Holy Mosques concerning all the projects, achievements and great expansions of the Two Holy Mosques and sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah.

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Summary: His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar bin Muhammad Hajjar, met His Eminence the head of Hajj and Visit Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ahmad Mousavi, and his delegation, at his office in Jeddah on Sunday 30/7/1434 A.H.

Details:

​His Eminence the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar bin Muhammad Hajjar, met His Eminence the head of Hajj and Visit Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ahmad Mousavi, and his delegation, at his office in Jeddah on Sunday 30/7/1434 A.H.

During the meeting, the issues related to the pilgrims and Mu`tamirs of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the current year, 1434 A.H., were discussed.

His Eminence the head of Iran's Hajj and Visit Organization appreciated the efforts and facilities that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers to the pilgrims, Mu`tamirs and visitors.

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Summary: The General Administration of `Umrah Companies and Establishments Affairs and the General Administration for Mu`tamirs Services at the Ministry of Hajj maintain close communication with the `Umrah companies and establishments. This enables them to be prepared to receive the `Umrah visa applications after the issuance of the security permit for the majority of companies and establishments that were operating in 1432 A.H.

Details:

The General Administration of `Umrah Companies and Establishments Affairs and the General Administration for Mu`tamirs Services at the Ministry of Hajj maintain close communication with the `Umrah companies and establishments. This enables them to be prepared to receive the `Umrah visa applications after the issuance of the security permit for the majority of companies and establishments that were operating in 1432 A.H.

This includes:

1.      The readiness of its offices in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Jeddah Governorate with regard to  technical and administrative provisions and human resources.

2.      Approval of the services package, which includes housing in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and transportation.

3.      Approval of the operational plans.

4.      Documentation of the external agents’ contracts after verifying IATA membership and paying bank guarantees.

This year, the Ministry of Hajj requires external agents to put a sticker on the Mu`tamir’s passport that includes the most important elements of the services package so the Mu`tamir is made aware of the package he will receive upon his arrival in the Kingdom.

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Summary: The Ministry of Hajj participated in a seminar organized by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj Research on Monday, Muharram 4, 1434 A.H. The seminar was held in response to the directives of the Supreme Hajj Committee to apply organized grouping and moving of pilgrims during the Hajj trip, and study methods of crowd management during every stage of Hajj.

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​The Ministry of Hajj participated in a seminar organized by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj Research on Monday, Muharram 4, 1434 A.H. The seminar was held in response to the directives of the Supreme Hajj Committee to apply organized grouping and moving of pilgrims during the Hajj trip, and study methods of crowd management during every stage of Hajj.

His Excellency Dr. Isa ibn Muhammad Rawas, deputy Hajj minister for `umrah affairs, delivered the Ministry’s statement during the seminar, which was opened by His Excellency Dr. Bakry `Assas, head of the university.  The seminar was attended by His Excellency Dr. Habib Zain Al-Abideen, deputy minister for municipal and rural affairs, the head of the central administration of central projects; Colonel Muhammad Al-Bassam from public security; and eng. Muhammad Tawfiq Madany from the Ministry of Transportation. Also in attendance was His Excellency the dean of the institute, Dr. Abdul Aziz Serogi, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Idris, a teaching staff member, and Dr. Fadel Uthman, a teaching staff member at Umm Al-Qura University.

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Summary: Following a successful surgery, all praise be to Allah, at King Abdul Aziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz, received their Royal Highnesses the Princes and the Senior State Officials who came to greet him (may Allah support him) and gain reassurance of his health.

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​Following a successful surgery, all praise be to Allah, at King Abdul Aziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz, received their Royal Highnesses the Princes and the Senior State Officials who came to greet him (may Allah support him) and gain reassurance of his health. May Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) safeguard him from all harm, grant him everlasting good health and well-being, and preserve him for the service of Islam and Muslims.

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Summary: In issue no. 16245 on Saturday, Safar 2, 1434 A.H., Al-Riyadh Newspaper published a comprehensive interview with His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, about the Sector of `Umrah in the Ministry and the beginning of `Umrah season in 1434 A.H.

Details:

In issue no. 16245 on Saturday, Safar 2, 1434 A.H., Al-Riyadh Newspaper published a comprehensive interview with His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, about the Sector of `Umrah in the Ministry and the beginning of `Umrah season in 1434 A.H.

Dr. Bandar asserted that the Ministry of Hajj completed its preparations for starting the new `Umrah season and receiving the Mu`tamirs and visitors, who will come (by the Will of Allah) to the Holy Land this year, 1434 A.H. from different Arab and Islamic countries, starting from the first of Safar. This is in response to a Royal Decree to this effect. The Ministry coordinated with the concerned authorities with regard to the issuance of security permits for the companies and establishments licensed to provide services for the Mu`tamirs. It also verified the readiness of the companies and establishments with regard to the provisions of the offices in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Jeddah Governorate, and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and the readiness of the required human resources. This is in addition to forming and approving the services packages at the e-track system of `Umrah, approving the first part of the operational plans for this year, and documenting the contracts of the external agencies. Contracts for a number of countries such as Malaysia, Britain, Holland, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, and Kuwait were documented. The contracts for the rest of the countries with licensed companies will follow in succession.

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Summary: In the early hours of Friday, the first of Safar, the e-track system started to receive the first `Umrah applications for 1434 A.H.

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​In the early hours of Friday, the first of Safar, the e-track system started to receive the first `Umrah applications for 1434 A.H. Over 700 `Umrah visas were received, as follows:

·        Indonesia: 280 visas

·        South Africa: 227 visas

·        Pakistan: 43 visas

·        The USA: 30 visas

·        Kenya: 29 visas

·        Turkey: 25 visas

·        Other countries: 50 visas.

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Summary: The Ministry of Hajj is currently preparing to conduct a number of scientific studies on various topics related to the works of Hajj and the administrative structure of the Ministry, in cooperation with specialized consulting firms.

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​The Ministry of Hajj is currently preparing to conduct a number of scientific studies on various topics related to the works of Hajj and the administrative structure of the Ministry, in cooperation with specialized consulting firms. These include:

·        A special study on international pilgrims coming via tourist companies and agencies.

·        A study on developing the administrative structure and performance in all of sectors of the Ministry.

·        A study on the qualitative and quantitative classification and estimation of the price of services provided to domestic pilgrims.

·        A study on the qualitative and quantitative classification and estimation of the price of services provided by National Tawafa Establishments.

Devising the strategic plan for the works of Hajj and `Umrah, as assigned by the honorable Council of Ministers.  

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Summary: On Wednesday, Safar 12, His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar Muhammad Hajjar, held a meeting with His Highness the general manager of the Yasser program, eng. `Ali ibn Salih Al Soma` to discuss the general technical situation of the Ministry of Hajj. Also in attendance at the meeting were their Highnesses Hajj Deputy Ministers, Mr. Hatim ibn Hassan Qady, Dr. `Isa ibn Muhammad Rawwas, and Dr. Sahl ibn Abdullah Al-Sabban.

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​On Wednesday, Safar 12, His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar Muhammad Hajjar, held a meeting with His Highness the general manager of the Yasser program, eng. `Ali ibn Salih Al Soma` to discuss the general technical situation of the Ministry of Hajj. Also in attendance at the meeting were their Highnesses Hajj Deputy Ministers, Mr. Hatim ibn Hassan Qady, Dr. `Isa ibn Muhammad Rawwas, and Dr. Sahl ibn Abdullah Al-Sabban.

His Excellency eng. `Ali ibn Salih Al Soma` explained that the Ministry of Hajj is regarded as one of the leading sectors in the switch to e-government transactions field. The e-`Umrah system is considered to be the first application of its kind, achieving a great leap forward in the field of Mu`tamir services.

His Excellency praised the strategic plan of switching all Ministry services and activities to e-government transactions, which was developed by the Ministry in coordination with the Yasser program and financed by the switch to e-government transactions program. It has resulted in many initiatives, for which 36 million Riyals were appropriated to achieve the desired objectives. Among these initiatives is the provision of infrastructure by offering services through the e-service platform and improving the external networks, which was put out to a public tender. The Ministry received pricing bids from companies participating in the tender.

The discussions also touched on the e-track system of international pilgrims and development of the General Administration of Information Technology. It was agreed that the Ministry of Hajj will make use of the training programs provided by the Yasser program, which will be provided to Ministry employees.

The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Consultant Dr. Mazen Tounsi, Consultant Dr. Muhammad Semsem, the General Manager of the Information Technology Administration, Mr. Salah Basif, and the Portal Administrator, Mr. Basel Zayla`i. After the meeting, eng. `Ali Al Soma`, accompanied by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Hajj for `Umrah Affairs, Dr. `Isa Rawwas, made a field trip to the headquarters of the Hajj and `Umrah Information Center in Al-Biotat, where they examined the Center’s equipment. His Excellency eng. `Ali expressed admiration for the modern technologies he examined. 

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Summary: The Council of Ministers approved the general budget of the state for the new fiscal year 1434/1435 A.H. during its special session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King `Abdullah ibn `Abdul Aziz Al Saud (may Allah safeguard him), on Saturday, Safar 16, 1434 A.H. corresponding to December 29, 2012 A.C. in the King’s palace in Riyadh.

Details:

​The Council of Ministers approved the general budget of the state for the new fiscal year 1434/1435 A.H. during its special session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King `Abdullah ibn `Abdul Aziz Al Saud (may Allah safeguard him), on Saturday, Safar 16, 1434 A.H. corresponding to December 29, 2012 A.C. in the King’s palace in Riyadh.

This budget is regarded as the largest budget in the Kingdom’s history in terms of current absolute monetary values, with revenues of 239.1 trillion, expenses of 853 billion, and a surplus of 386 billion riyals.

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Summary: His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar met the delegation of the Bangladesh Hajj Mission Office, headed by Muhammad Shahjahan Miah - the Minister of Religious Affairs in the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, at his office yesterday in Jeddah.

Details:

Issues pertaining to organizing the affairs of Bengal pilgrims coming from Bangladesh to perform Hajj rituals were discussed during the meeting. These issues included their housing and transportation, in addition to educational issues with regard to rituals and procedures. Also, the discussions covered the services provided by the National Tawafa Establishments, United Agents Office, and the General Syndicate of Vehicles, besides the cooperative efforts in providing services to Mu`tamirs of Bangladesh.​

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Summary: His Excellency, the Deputy Minister of Hajj, Mr. Hatem ibn Hasan Qadi met the delegation of the Hajj Mission of Kazakhstan, headed by Mr. Arjan Mia Mirow, in the Ministry branch in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on Monday, 22/4/1434 A.H., corresponding to 4/3/2013 A.C., at 1:00 P.M.

Details:

The head of the delegation praised the continuous work and achievements of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince. These achievements include the expansion of the Holy Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque and the Tawaf area, and the implementation of Al-Mashaer Metro and the Two Holy Mosques Train to enable the pilgrims and the visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque to perform all their rituals with ease and tranquility until their return to their countries – by the Will of Allah – safe and unharmed.​

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Summary: His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, stated that the Ministry has issued one million, six hundred thousand `Umrah visas since the beginning of `Umrah season last Safar, 1434 A.H., with a monthly arrival rate of 400,000 Mu`tamirs.

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His Highness the Minister of Hajj said: “All praise is due to Allah, Who granted us a leadership that regards serving the Guests of Allah as an objective and aim, and dedicates all of the capabilities for this sake. We ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to keep this country safe and secure perpetually and to safeguard its leaders and rulers; indeed He is Ever-Hearing, Ever-Responding.”​

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Summary: His Highness the Minister of Hajj held a meeting with leading Ministry officials via closed-circuit television. Participants included Deputy Ministers and General Managers from Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Jeddah.

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During this meeting, one of the specialized consulting firms presented a method for improving the performance of various Ministry sectors, including those concerned with Hajj and `Umrah affairs, administrative and financial affairs, information technology, training and development, and legal affairs. The closed-circuit television proved to be highly effective in achieving its objective of connecting the officials and His Highness the Minister with each other from their respective offices. This saved time and effort, and achieved speedy and continuous communication. The use of closed-circuit television represents a great turnaround that His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, seeks to achieve throughout the Ministry.​

 

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Summary: The Ministry of Hajj has made all the necessary preparations for receiving `Umrah visas at the scheduled time, which is on the first of Safar in every Hijri year.

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The Ministry of Hajj has made all the necessary preparations for receiving `Umrah visas at the scheduled time, which is on the first of Safar in every Hijri year. The Ministry has also called upon all the operative `Umrah companies and establishments in 1434 A.H. to be completely prepared and to make all the necessary preparations for starting the applications of `Umrah visas.​

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Summary: The coordinating body of National Tawafa Establishments will organize an evening workshop on Tuesday, Muharram 6, to discuss the tasks entrusted to the establishments in the e-track project for Hajj. The chairmen of these establishments, some board members, and information technology officials will participate in the workshop, which will be sponsored by His Excellency Deputy Hajj Minister for `Umrah Affairs, Dr. `Isa ibn Muhammad Rawas.

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The first meeting for the project supervising committee was held, with the participation of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. During this meeting, a preparatory project implementation plan was submitted. Also, members were provided with copies to examine, to enable them to offer feedback in order to expedite the implementation process.​

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Summary: A meeting of the honorable Council of Ministers, held at noon on Monday, Muharram 5, 1434 A.H., gave approval for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to carry out the necessary procedures to obtain the biometric characteristics (such as fingerprints and facial images) of all applicants of entry visas to the Kingdom, including pilgrims and Mu`tamirs.

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A meeting of the honorable Council of Ministers, held at noon on Monday, Muharram 5, 1434 A.H., gave approval for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to carry out the necessary procedures to obtain the biometric characteristics (such as fingerprints and facial images) of all applicants of entry visas to the Kingdom, including pilgrims and Mu`tamirs. This will be implemented through specialized offices authorized by the embassies of the Kingdom abroad. This meeting was headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman ibn Abdul Aziz, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Defense.​

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Summary: His Highness the Minister of Hajj will hold a meeting with the leading officials of the Ministry of Hajj on Tuesday, Muharram 6, 1434 A.H. to discuss the extent of success of the application of the operational plans, which were approved for the three branches of the Ministry and other sectors.

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Summary: The surgery undergone by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah safeguard him) to tighten a loose ligament at the top of his back, was successful. His Royal Highness Prince Salman ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Defense were reassured about his health during a visit to King Abdul Aziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh.

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May Allah protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from every evil and grant him good health and well-being.​

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Summary: The committee supervising the e-track system project for international pilgrims is headed by the Ministry of Hajj and has been formed by virtue of decision no. 386 of the honorable Council of Ministers, dated 22/11/1433 A.H. with the participation of representatives from the following bodies:

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Studying and estimating the financial costs of this project. ​

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Summary: On Monday, Dhul-Hijjah 20, 1433 A.H. corresponding to November 5, 2012 A.C., a Royal Decree was issued releasing Prince Ahmad ibn Abdul Aziz from his post as Minister of Interior, at his request, and appointing Prince Muhammad ibn Naif in his place.

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Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud​

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Summary: His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, met the delegation of the Palestinian Hajj Mission, headed by His Highness Mr. Mahmoud Sedqi Al-Habbash, the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs at Dr. Bandar’s office in Jeddah today, Saturday, 11/5/1434 A.H.

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​His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, met the delegation of the Palestinian Hajj Mission, headed by His Highness Mr. Mahmoud Sedqi Al-Habbash, the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs at Dr. Bandar’s office in Jeddah today, Saturday, 11/5/1434 A.H.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness the Minister of Hajj congratulated all on the remarkable success of Hajj last year. He indicated that this success was achieved thanks firstly to Allah, and secondly to the efforts, capabilities, and achievements of the wise government in response to direct instructions from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince. These achievements include expanding the Two Holy Mosques, developing the Sacred Sites, and the unlimited support provided by the Government for the sake of ensuring comfort and reassurance for the pilgrims and Mu`tamirs. He assured the delegation of the Palestinian Hajj Mission of the care attached to the programs developed by the Ministry of Hajj. They include enlightening the pilgrims before their arrival at the Holy Land, complying with the schedule of grouping and moving pilgrims to Jamarat Bridge, and the timely concluding of air transportation and housing contracts.

During this meeting, issues pertaining to the organization of the affairs of the Palestinian pilgrims coming from Palestine to perform Hajj rituals were discussed. These issues included their housing and transportation, in addition to educational issues with regard to rituals and procedures. The discussions also covered the services provided by the National Tawafa Establishments, United Agents Office, and the General Syndicate of Vehicles, in addition to the cooperative efforts in providing Mu`tamirs’ services in Palestine.
His Highness the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs praised the successive improvements and achievements provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince (may Allah safeguard them both) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and at the Sacred Sites. These achievements include the expansion of the Holy Mosque, the Tawaf area, and the Prophet’s Mosque, and the implementation of Al-Masha`er Metro and the Two Holy Mosques Train to enable pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility. He also praised the mutual cooperation between the Ministry, its branches, the bodies under its supervision, and the delegation of the Palestinian Hajj Mission. It is worth mentioning that 6,600 Palestinian pilgrims come from Palestine every year.

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