Islamabad
Every Hajj season, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA, dedicates tremendous financial and human resources to ensure that pilgrims enjoy five-star services that allow them to perform the hajj ritual safely and comfortably. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith. Saudi Arabia considers serving the guests of Allah the Almighty an honor, and lines up vast manpower and financial resources to the proper conduct of the pilgrimage.
Since the time of the founding father of the KSA, King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, it has spent billions of dollars to expand the Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, as well as establishing modern airports, seaports, roads, residences, communications, hospitals, and other amenities and security and safety services for the convenience of pilgrims. The hajj authorities have announced that they had completed their preparations to welcome pilgrims, provide them with world-class services and make their journey to the holy lands comfortable, safe and successful.
Security agencies have announced that they are ready to welcome pilgrims through air, sea and land entry points. The General Directorate of Civil Defence has announced that more than 33 government department and consultancy houses were involved in this year’s hajj emergency plans to ensure the highest standards of safety and security of pilgrims, WAM-The Emirates news agency reported.
It has prepared more than 17,000 strong civil defence personnel, supported by 1,500 volunteers. More than 5,000 cameras in the holy shrines provide the security agencies with blanket coverage to manage crowds of pilgrims to avoid any incidents. Health-wise, the Saudi authorities have placed hundreds of hospitals and health clinics under the service of pilgrims. The Saudi health ministry said that a fully-manned and equipped four health centres had been prepared inside the holy shrine in Makkah. For emergency cases, preparations also included 180 ambulances and six helipads.—APP
