A little old but shows why the umrah is going so well. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saudi Arabia authorities intensify Umrah preparations Riyadh: Saudi authorities have intensified preparations to receive Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. The number of people who will come from all over the world to perform Umrah and visitors is expected to increase considerably in Ramadan since it will coincide this year with the summer vacation period. Makkah Governor and Chairman of the Haj Central Committee Prince Khalid Al Faisal stressed the importance of upgrading the level of services offered to visitors of the two holy mosques, as well as intensifying efforts to solve any problems that may arise due to the increasing numbers of worshippers who have already started arriving from within and outside Saudi Arabia. In press statements yesterday, he said that Saudi Arabia would spare no effort to ensure that everything goes smoothly to enable worshippers to perform their rituals with ease. Prince Khalid Al Faisal issued directives to form a joint committee comprising nine government sectors, in addition to the Makkah Governorate. These sectors are Ministry of Haj, the Municipality of Makkah, Makkah Police, Passports Department, Health Affairs Department, Traffic Police, Labour Office, Al Mujahideen Department and Beggary Control Office. This committee is scheduled to assume its duties effective from the end of this month. A total of 1,200 individuals will participate in the activities to be performed by the committee with the aim of curbing any negative aspects that may occur as a result of the existence of big crowds around and within the two holy mosques. Makkah has been witnessing for more than two weeks an influx of thousands of people who come to perform Umrah and spend the summer holidays. It is expected that more than three million people will arrive from abroad to perform Umrah during the coming month of Ramadan, in addition to Umrah performers from inside the kingdom. Influx The concerned Saudi authorities have provided all necessary facilities at sea, land and airports and prepared various religious and other programmes for visitors of Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan. Ramadan is regarded the most important time for Muslims to perform Umrah, and this explains the reason for the influx of visitors throughout this month, particularly in the last ten days. It is expected that more than three million people will arrive from abroad to perform Umrah during the coming month of Ramadan, in addition to Umrah performers from inside the kingdom. http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi_arabia/10234700.html
