JEDDAH: Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Mohammed Saleh Benten said on Monday health, safety, and security of worshippers are at the top of the government’s priorities.
Speaking at an online seminar titled “Umrah amid simple procedures and strict precaution,” he said the Saudi authorities are making concerted efforts to serve worshippers without compromising on their safety. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques and Deputy Hajj Minister Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat also attended the seminar.
“All government entities have been collectively working to ensure that Umrah pilgrims have registered with the Tawakkalna app. They follow up to make sure that visitors have not recently mixed with anyone who has coronavirus or developed any COVID-19 symptoms,” Benten said.
Benten said the gradual resumption of Umrah was taken after studying the global situation. He said the reintroduction of limits on Umrah pilgrims cannot be ruled out. He said it all depended on the number of infections around the world.
“We are in close contact with the Health Ministry, and if we detect any danger, we will immediately change our plans. However, we may increase the numbers of visitors if we witness a drop in COVID-19 cases,” he added.
The minister concluded that opening Umrah for international visitors would be an extraordinary decision. “No country has so far announced to receive such a huge number of visitors during the pandemic. Once approved, Saudi Arabia will be the only country to take such an initiative.”
Al-Sudais highlighted the measures taken to help pilgrims perform rituals in a safe environment without any hassles.
Worshippers’ safety is Saudi Arabia’s top priority, says Hajj minister
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Worshippers’ safety is Saudi Arabia’s top priority, says Hajj minister
- Benten said the gradual resumption of Umrah was taken after studying the global situation
More than 1,100 scouts assist worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques
MAKKAH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association is running public service camps at the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan, involving more than 1,100 scout leaders and members.
The volunteer program runs throughout the fasting month, providing services to Umrah performers, other worshippers, and fasting visitors in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The scout teams’ tasks include providing guidance, orientation and crowd management services, assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, and delivering humanitarian and on-site support at designated locations at the Two Holy Mosques.
Backed by intensive training and preparation programs, the scouts have strengthened their readiness on the ground and elevated their performance to meet the association’s highest standards of quality and governance, reflecting their commitment to leadership and excellence in organized volunteer work.
The association emphasized that these camps are managed under a unified institutional framework that brings together all scouting sectors, following clear operational plans and precise organizational structures.
This approach helps standardize procedures, boost performance efficiency, and maximize the positive effect of services provided, fulfilling the vision of the Kingdom’s leadership in caring for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
