MAKKAH, 10 February 2003 — More than 3,000 Saudis without Haj permits were barred from entering Makkah on Saturday, Al-Eqtisadiah daily reported.
They were stopped by passport department personnel who man all seven entrances to Makkah, said Col. Ahmad Al-Jabri, director of Haj and Umrah department. He said his officers will continue to check all cars at the checkpoints until today — Arafat day — to ensure that no one without a Haj permit enters the holy city.
The department has deployed a large number of personnel at these entrances.
In other Haj news, the Ministry of Haj has uncovered two fake Haj institutions which had taken the responsibility of facilitating pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia.
One of the companies had sought permission from the ministry to provide Haj services. He enlisted more than 400 pilgrims without completing government formalities. (AN)
Food distribution
MAKKAH, 10 February 2003 — A special Haj committee in Makkah will distribute more than 1.6 million meals to pilgrims under the supervision of Makkah governorate. The committee will distribute 500,000 meals each in Mina and Makkah and 350,000 at Makkah’s entry points. The meal packet contains four dishes in addition to a drink. A garbage bag is attached to each meal packet. Scouts will distribute one million free meals donated by Saudi businessmen. (SPA)
Facility for the sick
MADINAH, 10 February 2003 — Seven fully equipped ambulances with doctors accompanied 16 sick people from Madinah to Makkah on their pilgrimage. Dr. Abdulkader Ahmad Al-Taib, director of health affairs in Madinah, supervised the patients’ trnasfer from different hospitals. (SPA)
Business up in Madinah
MADINAH, 10 February 2003 — Markets in Madinah reported increased sales following pilgrim visitors’ stay here before leaving for Makkah. Many families were seen shopping daily, stocking up on their purchases for Eid. They were also buying toys and clothes for children and frequently visiting entertainment centers. (AN)
