Minister of Interior Prince Muhammad bin Naif has endorsed this year’s security plans for visitors and pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the peak Umrah season.
The plans take into consideration the ongoing Mataf extension and construction works within the giant prayer complex and its external yards which have minimized the amount of space available for worshipers.
The security plans include contingent measures in the event of a range of scenarios to offer the maximum safety to worshipers and pilgrims, while ensuring smooth flow of traffic during circumambulation (tawaf) and other holy rites.
Prince Muhammad bin Naif was briefed by the director general of police and other security officials during his visit to the headquarters of the Jeddah Police Department. He was also provided with up to date information on all the security and traffic plans that would be implemented in the Grand Mosque during Ramadan and the Eid holidays.
The president of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Affairs was also present during the visit.
The General Directorate of Police provided details of the measures that are to be taken to inform the general public. According to the plan, the operation room of the Grand Mosque (also known as the Command and Control Center of Haj Security) will be tasked to immediately respond to any threats.
In the event of an emergency, crowds will be directed away from the area of threat and overcrowding will be minimized. The plan stipulates that the masses would be prevented from venturing close to the critical site and directed elsewhere. The Traffic Department will also shift the direction of traffic away from pre-defined points to other directions.
If necessary, the Police Department said, some locations which might present a major danger for crowds will be evacuated and measures taken to return pilgrims and worshipers to their hotels with ease. According to the plans, over 60,000 police officers will be on duty to supervise the Grand Mosque.
The Interior Ministry said its main purpose is to serve pilgrims, the guests of Allah, protect them and ease their stay in the holy city in line with the directions of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, while taking into consideration the challenges posed by the limited space due to ongoing construction.
The ministry also said it hopes Muslims from across the world would understand the current situation within the holy cities in terms of construction, and called on locals to limit their movement and visits to the Grand Mosque during the peak Umrah season.
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