The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has provided 234 electric wheelchairs for use at the Jamrat (stoning area) and its vicinity to facilitate the Haj rituals through safe and easy mobility.
Wajdi bin Hassan Toulah, director of maintenance and operations in the holy sites, said these electric wheelchairs will serve more than 70,000 disabled pilgrims in addition to their companions which takes the number to 200,000.
The number of chairs were increased following the allocation of three more paths in addition to the existing five leading to the bottom of Mount Arafat. Toulah said that two more paths had been added to the pedestrian area in Aziziyah while an additional 50 carriers had been provided to further facilitate the disabled pilgrims.
“The electric wheelchairs will soon become operational on the three new paths including the first path which ascends from the Jamrat yards from the southern side to the second floor of the facility with 665 carriages. Path number two which ascends on the northern side of the Jamrat facility to the second floor has been allocated 28 carriages while path number three in Mina has a capacity of 105 carriages in addition to paths seven and eight with 29 carriages.
All these paths converge on the King Abdulaziz road and can transport 900 pilgrims.
Wajdi said the operational plan in Jamarat for serving the disabled, the elderly and the sick called for the allocation of a large number of drivers, supervisors and maintenance teams.
There are around 232 drivers who work on 12-hour shifts in addition to 134 field supervisors and maintenance technicians who work around the clock to assist users and deal with technical issues.
More electric wheelchairs for the disabled at Jamrat
More electric wheelchairs for the disabled at Jamrat
Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers
- First of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children
- Second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support
RIYADH: The Charity Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh has launched two initiatives to improve the lives of orphaned girls and single mothers.
Mohammed bin Saad Al-Muharib, general manager of the society, also known as Ensan, said the first of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program will run for a full academic year and include a range of activities with psychological, spiritual, linguistic, social, health and economic dimensions.
Al-Muharib said the program would feature regular meetings, visits and excursions with the ultimate goal of providing the youngsters with the tools they needed to navigate a successful future.
The second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support to help them achieve personal and professional success.
The scheme will comprise 90 hours of practical training designed to raise awareness of their educational responsibilities, addressing the spiritual and psychological needs of their children and teaching them critical life skills.
Both programs will be overseen by the Specialized Council for Orphan Associations in the Kingdom and supported by the Abdul Latif Al-Essa Charitable Foundation. The King Salman Social Center will provide logistical support in the form of venues for holding the training courses.
Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.
Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers
- The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.
The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.
The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.
The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.
Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.
This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.
The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.
King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week
RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.
The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.
The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.
The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.
The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.
The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.
Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.
In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.
