JEDDAH, 22 February — Prince Muhammad ibn Naif, assistant minister of interior for security affairs, expressd his appreciation for the efforts being made by the Civil Defense Department for the forthcoming Haj. He said the Saudi government was keen to ensure the safety of pilgrims by providing a congenial atmosphere that would enable them to perform their religious duty in peace and comfort.
Speaking after a day-long inspection tour that covered different civil defense facilities outside Jeddah as well as the department's headquarters in the region, Prince Muhammad underlined the vital role of civil defense personnel in ensuring the protection of life and property. He also urged pilgrims to follow safety instructions during Haj and called on the officers to double their effort during the season.
Around two million Muslims from around the world are expected to make the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in less than two weeks' time.
The prince toured the supply and maintenance sections and the warehouses at Hada area outside Jeddah, the helicopter unit at the old airport, the highway security forces and Al-Shumaisi passport center along Jeddah/Makkah expressway, which is the main entry point for pilgrims to the holy city.
At the Civil Defense headquarters, the prince was briefed by the commander of the Civil Defense in Makkah Region, Brig. Ahmad Al-Thubaiti, and his deputy Col. Muhammad Al-Ghamdi on this year's Haj plan.
Director of Public Security Gen. Asaad Abdul Karim Al-Fareeh, Director General of Civil Defense Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijri, Director of Police in Makkah Region Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani and senior officers accompanied Prince Muhammad during the tour. (AWB)
