JEDDAH, 28 January 2003 — The authorities have postponed a decision to fingerprint pilgrims at various entry points, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported yesterday. The government introduced this procedure at Saudi airports last year on a trial basis as part of efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The Passports Department said the reason for the postponement was the lack of trained personnel able to operate the computers and carry out regular maintenance, the paper said.
Pilgrims urged to take meningitis shots
JEDDAH, 28 January 2003 — The Ministry of Health has asked pilgrims and the people of Makkah to take meningitis shots, especially those who have not been immunized in the past few years, the Okaz newspaper reported yesterday. The ministry explained that meningitis is a dangerous fever that attacks the brain, resulting in death in 5-10 percent of cases. The disease is mostly transmitted in crowded places. Doctors highlighted the danger to children, especially those below 3 years of age.
500,000 pilgrims visit Madinah
MADINAH, 28 January 2003 — About 500,000 pilgrims have visited Madinah since the beginning of the Haj season, according to official statistics published by Okaz newspaper yesterday. The Madinah branch of the Ministry of Haj said a little more than 100,000 of the pilgrims arrived through Prince Muhammad Airport in Madinah, and the rest by road.
600 scholars to give guidance to pilgrims
MAKKAH, 28 January 2003 — Minister of Islamic Affairs Saleh Al-Sheikh has said that 600 scholars are to provide religious guidance to pilgrims and answer their queries as part of a religious awareness campaign during the Haj season. The ministry will make use of 140 translators to ensure the success of the campaign, he added. Scholars from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Umm Al-Qura University, King Khaled University, King Abdul Aziz University and Madinah Islamic University are to take part in the campaign.
Ministry to distribute 300,000 pilgrim kits
MAKKAH, 28 January 2003 — The Ministry of Haj will distribute more than 300,000 bags containing toothbrushes, soap, drinking cups, and smaller bags for pebbles to pilgrims, Al-Nadwa newspaper reported yesterday. The ministry hopes that the bags, which cost SR4 million, will help limit the spread of diseases through the sharing of equipment.
