JEDDAH, 23 January — The Central Haj Committee held a meeting here yesterday under the chairmanship of Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed and reviewed the plans of the Haj Ministry, the Tawafa organizations and Saudi Arabian Airlines for the pilgrimage season.
Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Shafie, the committee’s secretary, said Saudia has expanded its flight network for the transportation of pilgrims from different parts of the world. The airline has also geared up its offices in the Kingdom and abroad to serve the pilgrims.
Over two million pilgrims from different parts of the Islamic world — including about 900,000 within Saudi Arabia — are expected to perform Haj this year.
Speaking on the Haj Ministry’s preparations, Shafie said it would supervise all activities related to the Haj, including the arrival of pilgrims, their transportation to Makkah and Madinah and their accommodation. It will also coordinate with foreign Haj missions. The meeting also discussed the Haj plans of the Civil Aviation Authority, the Civil Defense Department and Jeddah Islamic Port.
Pilgrims from different countries have started arriving for the Haj which will start in earnest on Feb. 21. All private and public agencies have mobilized their resources for the challenging task of Haj management.
Haj Minister Iyad Madani yesterday inspected the Jazeera and Maghrabi companies for pilgrim transportation and their workshops on the Makkah-Jeddah Expressway. Health Minister Dr. Osama Shubokshi is expected to inspect health facilities in Makkah and other holy sites on Thursday.
