JEDDAH: A team of volunteers from the Council of British Hajjis is working in Saudi Arabia to help and support pilgrims from the UK. In addition to general assistance, they can arrange medical treatment and are offering general health advice.
Rashid Mogradia, the CEO and founder of the council, which is Britain’s national Hajj charity, praised the improvements made by Saudi authorities this year.
“It is an absolute honor once again to be here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the guests of Almighty Allah,” he said. “There have been some significant developments by the Saudi authorities, from air-conditioned tents in Mina to mobile-phone apps, which all helped pilgrims achieve a positive and memorable Hajj experience."
Mogradia said that there had been no problems among the British pilgrims.
“Despite the heavy sandstorm on Sunday night, the stay in Mina and the day of Arafat have gone smoothly, and as pilgrims continue their rituals over the coming days, I would like to wish Muslims in the UK and across the world Eid Mubarak,” he added.
Pakistani-born British MP Yasmin Qureshi, the chairwoman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hajj & Umrah, said that the council is also exploring ways to improve the services offered to pilgrims.
“They will ... be carrying out out field research that will help the cross-party group understand the needs of the pilgrims and any support afforded to British nationals, and how it can be further improved for a memorable Hajj experience. I wish all pilgrims a Hajj Mabroor — an accepted Hajj.”
The council’s team arrived in Saudi Arabia on Aug. 14 and will remain there until Aug. 28. Representatives from the British Consulate in Jeddah are also visiting camps hosting British citizens to offer assistance.
British charity chief praises improved Hajj services
British charity chief praises improved Hajj services
- Council of British Hajjis volunteers will continue to offer assistance to UK citizens until Aug. 28
- Nearly 2.4 million people have attended the Hajj pilgrimage this year
KSrelief distributes winter aid to Gaza students
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed winter clothing to students at educational sites in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip as part of its campaign to support the Palestinian people.
The initiative addresses the growing needs of students continuing their education under difficult circumstances, with classes held in tents after most schools and educational facilities were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the 80th Saudi relief airplane operated by KSrelief arrived at El Arish International Airport in Egypt, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense and the Saudi Embassy in Cairo.
The airplane is carrying food baskets and shelter kits for distribution to affected Palestinians inside the Gaza Strip. The supplies are part of Saudi support to help alleviate the difficult living conditions in Gaza.
Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 147 projects in Palestine worth about $533 million, covering food security, early recovery, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid, and nutrition.
