MAKKAH: Pilgrims from across the world as well as from within the Kingdom are descending on Makkah with only one goal in mind — perform Haj and fulfill one of their main religious duties.
The Kingdom has been taking care of millions of Haj pilgrims every year through infrastructure development and services. Among those serving the pilgrims are not only men, but also women.
Saudi women have a significant presence, especially in recent years, according to official statistics. They occupy various positions during Haj, including office work, medical, health, administrative and security. This is in addition to their services in the tawafa business (as female Haj guides) for providing consultations, education and enforcing regulations.
There is a huge demand for women of all age groups for various types of jobs during Haj. The authorities hold practical training programs for them before they are officially appointed.
Wijdan Abdul Razzaq, media officer at the female committee in the Southeast Asia Foundation, said: “The foundation will launch the Women’s Commission this year for the first time, which aims at activating the role of women in the pilgrimage through seasonal field, cultural, health and media jobs. Community partnership is available for interested volunteers.”
She said the main responsibilities of the female Haj team include providing whatever assistance women pilgrims need during their stay in the holy cities, such as providing them with medical care whenever needed and educating them about cultural and religious matters.
She said that the female committee is also responsible for taking pilgrims on a tour of archaeological and religious sites, including the Kiswa Factory, Zamzam Factory, Two Holy Mosques Museum and Umm Al-Qura University.
Reem Al-Zahrani, a nurse in one of the hospitals in Makkah, said: “We are honored to serve pilgrims every year, although we work for more than 12 hours a day.”
These pilgrims have traveled long distances to arrive in the Kingdom so it is our duty to serve them, she added.
The Kingdom has been taking care of millions of Haj pilgrims every year through infrastructure development and services. Among those serving the pilgrims are not only men, but also women.
Saudi women have a significant presence, especially in recent years, according to official statistics. They occupy various positions during Haj, including office work, medical, health, administrative and security. This is in addition to their services in the tawafa business (as female Haj guides) for providing consultations, education and enforcing regulations.
There is a huge demand for women of all age groups for various types of jobs during Haj. The authorities hold practical training programs for them before they are officially appointed.
Wijdan Abdul Razzaq, media officer at the female committee in the Southeast Asia Foundation, said: “The foundation will launch the Women’s Commission this year for the first time, which aims at activating the role of women in the pilgrimage through seasonal field, cultural, health and media jobs. Community partnership is available for interested volunteers.”
She said the main responsibilities of the female Haj team include providing whatever assistance women pilgrims need during their stay in the holy cities, such as providing them with medical care whenever needed and educating them about cultural and religious matters.
She said that the female committee is also responsible for taking pilgrims on a tour of archaeological and religious sites, including the Kiswa Factory, Zamzam Factory, Two Holy Mosques Museum and Umm Al-Qura University.
Reem Al-Zahrani, a nurse in one of the hospitals in Makkah, said: “We are honored to serve pilgrims every year, although we work for more than 12 hours a day.”
These pilgrims have traveled long distances to arrive in the Kingdom so it is our duty to serve them, she added.
