MAKKAH, 10 February — A scientific seminar scheduled to be opened by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed at Ummul Qura University today, will focus on optimum use of land in Mina. The seminar will also review services being offered by various Haj-related agencies to the pilgrims.
The two-day seminar organized by King Fahd Haj Research Institute will debate a number of research papers on various topics related to Haj, including the possibility of improving the transportation system and reducing congestion at Jamarat.
Dr. Nasir Al-Saleh, acting president of the university, said the seminar would work out a new system to assess Haj services rendered by various public and private organizations. A total of 28 government agencies will take part in the discussions. Haj Minister Iyad Madani will attend the opening session.
On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Prince Abdul Majeed will lead the ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba earlier today. The governor will wash the Kaaba's floor and walls using Zamzam mixed with rose water.
The function will be attended by a number of ministers, ambassadors from Islamic countries, senior keepers of the Holy Kaaba and a large number of Saudis and foreign pilgrims.
Ban on foodstuffs: The Health Ministry has distributed a circular banning foreign and domestic pilgrims from taking foodstuffs to Makkah and other holy sites, Al-Madinah newspaper reported yesterday.
Dr. Talal Muhammad Akram, assistant director for health in Jeddah, said the ban, mainly on vegetables and meat, was imposed to prevent spreading of infectious diseases.
He said 73 health centers in Jeddah would provide meningitis vaccinations to intending pilgrims. These centers have already given vaccinations to more than 200,000 people.
"Meningitis vaccination is also available at King Abdul Aziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port where pilgrims who came without taking it are vaccinated," he added.
Royal guests: King Fahd has given directives to concerned officials for hosting 160 pilgrims from Europe and the United States from his personal funds. This was disclosed yesterday by Dr. Manie Al-Johani, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth and member of the Shoura Council.
He said WAMY was honored to make arrangements to receive the royal guests and help them perform their religious duties comfortably.
Water bags: The Water and Sewage Department in the Makkah region has completed preparations to distribute more than 10 million bags of chilled water among pilgrims during Haj.
Khaled ibn Abdul Qader Al-Badry, acting director general of the department, said his organization would deploy adequate number of workers to distribute the water bags at 154 places in Makkah and the holy sites.
