Makkah gears up for Haj

(MENAFN - Arab News) The Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has begun preparations to implement its plan for this year's Haj season, which will begin on Nov. 3 until Dec. 18.

A total of 6,058 persons - including 1,756 regular staff members, 1,800 temporary employees and 2,502 male and female laborers - will be working under the presidency. Presidency staff will also be guiding pilgrims to enable them to perform Haj rituals correctly. The presidency's plans also include increasing the number of muftis and study circles in the Grand Mosque, and completing the expansion of the Masa (the chamber between Safa and Marwah).

The presidency is also working on completing the bridge that leads from the Masa to the bus terminal, preparing the eastern courtyard to accommodate more worshipers, setting up more drinking water points, keeping up with cleanliness, completing studies to determine the hydraulic specifications of the well of Zamzam in collaboration with the Geological Survey Department, and developing the sterilization system of Zamzam water.

Under the rules made by the presidency, no food, drinks or bags will be allowed into the Grand Mosque. It also called on pilgrims not to use Zamzam water for ablution, not to sleep inside the Grand Mosque and to dispose of garbage in bins. The presidency asked pilgrims to send their observations, complaints or suggestions by fax no: 02 573 9992 or via its website: www.gph.gov.sa

By Badea Abu Al-Naja

Source: Middle East North Africa Financial News (MENAFN).
Link: http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093278906.