Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has called on Jeddah and Makkah residents to cooperate with authorities to make the emergency Islamic summit to be held in Makkah on Aug. 14-15 a resounding success.
The governor commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for taking the initiative to host the summit, which will focus on Islamic unity and solidarity.
Prince Khaled said: “This is one of several initiatives taken by King Abdullah in the service of Muslims all over the world.” He added the king is keen to ensure the summit’s success.
He highlighted the conference’s significance in this holy month. “The whole world is looking forward to this summit, because of the difficult situation the region is going through.”
Prince Khaled, who is chairman of the preparatory committee, said unity is essential for Muslims to achieve their goals and rights and realize their hopes and aspirations.
He said preparations for the summit began last week and a high-level committee has been set up to organize the two-day event.
He called on Saudis and residents to reduce travel to Makkah during the summit period in order to avoid overcrowding. “Such a gesture would be essential for the summit’s success.”
The governor requested people to keep away from Al-Safa Palace and the Clock Tower building during Aug. 12-15 to ensure a smooth flow of foreign delegations attending the summit. Traffic to the area will be blocked.
Prince Khaled said: “I take this opportunity to call on citizens and residents all over the Kingdom not to visit Makkah in the last week of Ramadan.”
He urged mosque imams to enlighten people on the need to cooperate with organizers to make the summit a success.
Prince Khaled also urged Saudis and foreigners residing in Makkah to pray at mosques outside the central plaza in order to give space to those who have come from abroad.
He said all preparations have been completed for the reception, transport and accommodation of foreign delegations attending the summit.
The delegations will start coming from the beginning of next week and the meetings will be held both in Makkah and Jeddah. He added: “The conference will not affect prayers at the Grand Mosque as well as circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba.”
There are entrances to the Haram from other places, he pointed out.
“There will not be any summit meeting inside the Grand Mosque. The Makkah meetings will take place at Al-Safa Palace while non-Muslim heads of state will stay in Jeddah and follow the discussions through videoconferencing.”
He said security and traffic police have been given instructions to do the needful to ensure the summit’s success. He urged the media to help notify the public to keep away from Makkah during the conference days.
