MAKKAH: Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the director of Saudi Public Security, has stated the Umrah security plan for Ramadan 2024 includes a well-organized system to manage crowds, especially during prayer times, with specific attention given to Tarawih and TaHajjud prayers.
During the Ministry of Interior’s press conference for senior Umrah security figures in Makkah on Saturday, he noted that the plan for Umrah during Ramadan will undergo a review, adding that the Mataf courtyard and ground floor will be exclusively reserved for Umrah performers.
Al-Bassami stated that special teams have been deployed to address issues such as begging and sleeping in prohibited areas, which disrupt the flow of pilgrims and worshippers. Anyone caught engaging in these activities will be arrested.
He added that the plan encompasses various areas, including security, crowd control, traffic management, humanitarian aid, and assistance to service organizations.
Al-Bassami said that transportation stations near the Grand Mosque, along the first, second, and third ring roads, as well as the entrances to Makkah, are now operational. These stations play a crucial role in managing traffic to the Grand Mosque.
“There is a high demand for Umrah at the start of Ramadan, with the third Saudi expansion allocated for worshippers,” he said, adding that entry and exit are organized to ensure the safety of worshippers walking to and from the vicinity of the Grand Mosque.
“The Grand Mosque and its surroundings are reserved for worship, and visitors are encouraged to assist in serving pilgrims,” he said, asking worshippers two provide space for individuals with special needs so as to not be overwhelmed.
Al-Bassami predicts that over 57 million Umrah pilgrims will travel by bus this year. “As a result, we have successfully reduced the number of vehicles entering the central district by over 7 million. Additionally, we have utilized 3,000 buses across 16 routes and 13 stations,” he said.
The acting director general of Civil Defense, Maj. Gen. Hamoud Al-Faraj, stated that the directorate commenced its operations early to guarantee the safety of Umrah pilgrims and other visitors in Makkah and Madinah.
“Employees of the directorate conducted 5,645 safety tours and educated visitors and pilgrims through media and mobile exhibitions,” he said.
Al-Faraj added: “Civil Defense centers are located in Makkah, comprising seasonal centers, rapid intervention teams, preventive supervision points, mobile units, field support for machinery and heavy equipment, specialized teams, and the Haram Support Force in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
“These centers are supported by dedicated volunteers and utilize technology and artificial intelligence, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of individuals during the Umrah season.”
Deputy Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba discussed the preparations of the General Directorate of Passports to facilitate the arrival and departure procedures of Umrah pilgrims and visitors at all air, land, and sea ports.
He emphasized the need to coordinate and harmonize efforts, providing support and assistance to all agencies involved in serving them while also enhancing awareness among pilgrims and visitors.
Security chief announces Makkah crowd control plan for Ramadan
https://arab.news/mmrg4
Security chief announces Makkah crowd control plan for Ramadan
- Mataf courtyard ground floor reserved for Umrah performers during the holy month
- Beggars, rough sleepers face arrest for obstructing pilgrims; worshipers asked to give special consideration to those with special needs
False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
- Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat
- Saudia confirms to Arab News security threat was ultimately deemed false
RIYADH: A Saudia Airlines flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted on Saturday following a bomb threat, according to reports.
It is the second such incident in a week involving a Saudia flight.
Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat, and was due to land in Surabaya on the island of Java.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call alerting them to a bomb threat onboard the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday morning.
The head of the regional airport authority, Asri Santosa, said in a statement that officers were inspecting the aircraft upon arrival, though the airport remained fully operational.
All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were reported safe, according to a North Sumatra police spokesperson. The passengers are expected to resume their journey on Sunday.
On request for comment by Arab News, Saudia confirmed the security threat was ultimately deemed false.
“In strict accordance with safety protocols, Saudia diverted flight SV5688 operating to Surabaya to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure,” the airline said.
“The aircraft landed, and all guests and crew have deplaned safely. Local authorities conducted the required checks shortly after landing and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain Saudia’s highest priority no matter the cost. Full care and support have been provided, and onward travel arrangements to Surabaya are being made,” it added.
On Tuesday, another Saudia flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after authorities received an email containing a bomb threat.
‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched “Color Your Summer,” a program showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September.
Activities will be hosted in six main destinations “that blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.”
The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion).
Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring “a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,” as well as “adventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region’s ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.”
The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline’s presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority’s efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. “The city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,” the SPA stated.
Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and “relaxation events” make it “the right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,” the SPA wrote, adding: “Visitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.”
Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network. “With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom’s destinations,” the SPA stated.
Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with “refreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,” according to the SPA. “Meanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city’s rich heritage and history.”
And in Baha, visitors will encounter “stunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.”
Kingdom arrests 12,066 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,066 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 7,333 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,060 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,673 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,206 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 71 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 21 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia supports refugees with 357 aid projects
- Refugee numbers have risen globally
- Saudi Arabia hosts refugees from Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has strengthened its humanitarian role in refugee issues worldwide through KSrelief, which has carried out 3,438 projects in 107 countries, costing more than $7.9 billion.
Among these, 357 projects support refugees, with nearly $497 million spent in Yemen, Somalia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Myanmar, Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on food security, health, shelter, education, and protection.
Refugee numbers have risen globally, with 52 percent originating from Syria (6.5 million), Afghanistan (5.7 million), and Ukraine (5.7 million).
At least 76 percent of displaced people live in low- or middle-income countries, increasing the humanitarian challenge, according to the SPA.
Saudi Arabia hosts refugees from Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar, about 5.5 percent of its population, offering free education, healthcare, and work opportunities under a policy respecting human rights and promoting charity.
These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s humanitarian commitment, highlighted on World Refugee Day on June 20, established by the UN to raise awareness of global displacement.
Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its humanitarian role through partnerships and initiatives focused on human rights and dignity, the SPA reported.
Saudi, Italian officials discuss parliamentary ties
RIYADH: The speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh, met with Saudi-Italian Parliamentary Friendship Committee Chairman Marco Osnato and other Italian MPs during the second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in Rome, Italy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Osnato welcomed Al-Asheikh and highlighted the strong cooperation and excellent relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy at various levels, as well as praising the Kingdom’s “constructive role in promoting international peace and stability while avoiding conflicts,” the SPA reported.
The Shoura Council speaker “hailed the fraternal ties and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations to serve the shared interests of both countries and their peoples.”
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed existing bilateral relations and “explored ways to enhance and advance them across various sectors.”
At the three-day conference, the president of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, emphasized the vital role of parliaments and the conference’s significance in building bridges and promoting mutual understanding.
Parliamentarians engaged in panel discussions focused on “fostering mutual understanding, combating hate speech, and promoting a shared future among people worldwide,” the SPA stated.
