Security in Makkah will be ‘tight’ during Hajj, officials say

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Leaders of the Hajj Security Force hold their second press conference. (SPA)
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Updated 16 July 2021
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Security in Makkah will be ‘tight’ during Hajj, officials say

  • Pilgrims will not be permitted to travel on foot between the holy sites and people will only be able to move in buses
  • All entrances to Makkah are monitored by security officers and thermal-imaging cameras to prevent entry for people without Hajj permits

MAKKAH: A tight security cordon is in place around Makkah and its holy sites to prevent unauthorized people entering the city during Hajj, commanders of the operation said on Wednesday.
They also stressed that pilgrims will not be permitted to travel on foot from the Grand Mosque to Arafat, or between Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.
During a briefing at the Unified Security Operations Center (911) in Makkah, Commander of Hajj Security Forces Maj. Gen. Zayed bin Abdulrahman Al-Tuwayan, said people will only be able to move between the sites on buses provided for the purpose.
“These buses are in four colors,” he said. “Each color refers to certain areas within the holy sites. Pilgrims are expected to abide by the instructions in this regard, as they will not be allowed to move on foot.”
All entrances to Makkah are monitored not only by security officers, Al-Tuwayan said, but also by thermal-imaging cameras to prevent people without Hajj permits accessing the holy sites.
“The mountains surrounding Makkah and all its valleys, where people with no Hajj permits might believe they can access the holy sites, are completely monitored by the Mujahideen force and equipped with cameras to foil such attempts,” he added.
He urged all citizens and residents to cooperate with the security forces during this exceptional time of challenges caused by the pandemic, for the well-being of all.
However he pointed out that the force’s planning for Hajj does not only focus on security, health and organizational measures, but also on providing help and assistance when needed.
“Pilgrims’ safety is a top priority but our services also include directing pilgrims who get lost to their destinations, and keeping safe any items they might lose while carrying out their rituals,” said Al-Tuwayan.
Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, assistant commander of Hajj Security Forces for the security of the Grand Mosque and its surroundings, confirmed that the mosque is now ready to welcome pilgrims.
“With coordination with the Hajj and Umrah Ministry, pilgrims can get to the Grand Mosque, beginning from 6.00 a.m. on the 7th day of Dhul Hijja (July 17),” he said. “With the health preventive measures agreed upon with the concerned authorities, the Mataf can accommodate from 4,000 to 6,000 pilgrims per hour.”
He added that his forces will facilitate and manage entry into the mosque.
The security forces are working closely with health authorities to protect pilgrims and prevent the spread of the coronavirus during Hajj, and Al-Bassami told Arab News that he is very proud of the steps Saudi Arabia is taking to achieve this.
“We have a very high level of coordination with the Ministry of Health, which is always present with us in all our steps and procedures,” he said. “In fact, the whole Hajj plan was built on security, health and organizational bases. There is no doubt the Health Ministry is an essential partner in the overall plan.”
Maj. Gen. Salman Al-Jumai’e, assistant commander of Hajj Security Forces for traffic, said that 2,500 buses have been provided to transport pilgrims wherever the need to go, from the moment they arrive for Hajj until they leave.
“These buses are scheduled to make 26,000 trips inside Makkah, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina,” he said. “As part of our duties, we will be monitoring the traffic flow, attending to traffic accidents and managing the checkpoints and shuttle buses.”
Brig. Gen. Ali Al-Qahtani, assistant commander of Hajj Security Forces for security patrols, added that his forces, which include foot patrols, officers on motorbikes and undercover patrols, will serve and help pilgrims and prevent unauthorized vehicles gaining access to the area.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Hajj is restricted to 60,000 pilgrims from within the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, spokesman for the Hajj Security Forces Command, Brig. Gen. Sami Al-Shuwairekh, said that 10 people have been arrested for violating the Hajj regulations and instructions, as they did not have a valid permit.
He said legal measures have been taken against them and they have each been fined SR10,000 ($2,666).
Al-Shuwairekh called on all citizens and residents to abide by the instructions for this year’s pilgrimage season, adding that security forces will take legal measures against anyone who tries to reach the Grand Mosque, its central surrounding area and the holy sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat) without a permit until July 23.


Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate.

The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management.

The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA.

Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef’s role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism.

Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom.

UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.


Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced the establishment of seven queen bee breeding and nucleus colony production stations in regions selected for their suitability: Jazan, Asir, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Tabuk, and Najran.

Construction is expected to be completed this year, with operations beginning in 2026. The facilities will add to the four existing stations in Abha, Baha, Qassim, and Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry said the projects will aim to preserve and strengthen the local bee strain and reduce reliance on imported colonies, as the Kingdom currently imports about 1.3 million nucleus colonies annually.

The stations will implement programs, including training in queen rearing and artificial insemination, along with promoting practical breeding techniques.

The initiative also includes guidance on advanced beekeeping methods and measures to limit the spread of diseases and pests associated with imported bees. Research will be conducted to support the maintenance and development of local strains.

The ministry said that the projects involve selective breeding based on research and may be offered for investment through beekeepers’ cooperatives or the private sector. Efforts will also be made to support and market the stations’ output.

In line with World Bee Day on May 20, the ministry has called for improving the knowledge and practices of beekeepers to help protect bee populations from disease, pests, pesticides, and environmental stressors.

It also referred to the launch of initiatives to encourage modern beekeeping, increase production efficiency, and support those working in the sector.

There are 25,644 licensed beekeepers in Saudi Arabia, producing 5,832 tonnes of honey from 1 million beehives. The Kingdom’s varied vegetation supports the production of about 20 types of honey, including sidr, talh, and samar.


Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use.

The authority aims to reach diverse community segments, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It highlighted the importance of purchasing home medical devices from licensed suppliers that offer warranties and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance.

The authority also urged the need to verify that the device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate.

Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the authority advised consulting a qualified healthcare professional to select the most appropriate device for an individual’s condition.

It also highlighted the importance of reviewing usage and care instructions, and obtaining any necessary training before purchase.

General safety guidelines include ensuring instructions are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt, keeping devices out of reach of children and pets to prevent tampering, and following recommended calibration and maintenance schedules.

The authority called on the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at ade.sfda.gov.sa/Home/NcmdrReport or by calling the unified number 19999.


Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, has released a new book on the history of the adhan (call to prayer) and biographies of the muezzins of the Two Holy Mosques throughout the centuries.

The book was authored by Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, member of the Council of Senior Scholars and imam and preacher at the Grand Mosque.

It meticulously examines the adhan ritual in the Two Holy Mosques, covering its origins, virtues, and significance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The book is divided into three sections: the adhan’s history, biographies of 95 Grand Mosque muezzins, and 147 Prophet’s Mosque muezzins.

It presents biographies of muezzins who have issued the call to prayer from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the present, the SPA reported.

Drawing on credible historical sources and interviews, the author used a scientific approach to document the evolution of adhan tools and the relationship between the muezzin and the mosque.

The book also highlights the Saudi government’s support in selecting skilled muezzins and using advanced audio technology for local and global broadcasts.

This publication enriches the foundation’s collection, serving as a vital resource for researchers and those interested in the history of the Two Holy Mosques and Islamic rituals.


National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj

Updated 20 May 2025
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National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj

  • Upgrades will boost operational efficiency, expand network coverage and enhance real-time monitoring capabilities

JEDDAH: The National Water Co., through its Western Cluster, has completed 18 infrastructure and operational projects ahead of the Hajj season in Makkah and the holy sites, valued at SR400 million ($106 million).

The projects are part of efforts to refine water and environmental services for residents, visitors and the millions of pilgrims expected during Hajj.

Upgrades will boost operational efficiency, expand network coverage and enhance real-time monitoring capabilities.

Capital works include the construction of a 190,000-cubic meter steel water tank along with the development and rehabilitation of water storage facilities, main pipelines, valve rooms and distribution networks.

These efforts are designed to support supply sustainability and reliability, particularly during peak pilgrimage hours.

Operational upgrades include the installation of advanced monitoring systems such as pressure gauges, meters and network sensors. Pumps and isolation valves across water, wastewater, fire and cooling systems have also been modernized to boost performance.

More than 1,200 technical, engineering and administrative staff have been assigned to oversee operations and maintain uninterrupted service during the Hajj season. The company said it will provide round-the-clock water supply to the Prophet’s Mosque and key religious and historical sites in Madinah.

To safeguard water quality, all storage units and connections to pilgrim accommodation are subject to testing. Monitoring is conducted through teams at central and mobile laboratories, which can analyze more than 1,000 water samples per day.

Water flow in Madinah’s central area will be managed using a smart operation system connected to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition monitoring and control room, allowing real-time oversight throughout the Hajj season.