Monday, July 30, 2018

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The first batch of 650 pilgrims from Iraq arrived in Makkah on Sunday. The Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims from Arab Countries received welcomed them with gifts of roses and Zamzam water.

The pilgrims expressed happiness over the warm welcome they have been given since they put their feet on the Saudi soil.

Pilgrims from Yemen will start arriving in the Kingdom from Thursday, officials said.

According to Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber, the authorities have completed procedures to facilitate Haj pilgrimage of 25,000 Yemenis this year.

Yemen's Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments Ahmed Attiya, said the pilgrims were picked up from all parts of Yemen without any discrimination.

“This year, some 25,000 Yemeni pilgrims will arrive from all areas of Yemen, whether they come from areas under the legitimate forces or areas under the control of the Houthi militias,” Attiya said.

He said Saudi authorities would receive the pilgrims through Al-Wadeea border crossing, the only land link between Yemen and the Kingdom at present. He also added that all transport, health, housing and visa arrangements for the pilgrims were already completed.

Attiya thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia, and called for Yemeni pilgrims to abandon all political differences beyond the country's borders and focus on Haj rituals instead.

He said upon arrival, the pilgrims will be sent in groups to the holy sites.

On the other hand, the first batch of pilgrims from Kuwait is expected to arrive in the Kingdom on Sunday.

Fareed Emadi, undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, said his country's Haj mission had completed all arrangements for the pilgrims.

He said the second batch of the pilgrims will follow within two days.

Meanwhile, the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims from Turkey, America, Europe and Australia has signed 1,700 housing contracts for its pilgrims. Last year the establishment had signed only 1,200 contracts for pilgrim accommodation.

Mohammed Shakir, board member in charge of accommodation in the establishment, said the pilgrims would be accommodated in hotels and high-rise building licensed by the authorities for the purpose.

In another development, the Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has opened King Abdulaziz Gate of the Grand Mosque for the pilgrims for the first time after the completion of the expansion work in that part of the mosque complex.

The presidency has also made all plazas around the mosque accessible to the pilgrims for prayer.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/540137/SAUDI-ARABIA/First-group-of-Iraqi-pilgrims-reach-Makkah