Saudi Arabia to pilgrims from around world: ‘it is an honor’

CAIRO – 31 August: Despite all of the political concerns that were raised before the beginning of Hajj due to the Arab-Qatari dispute, Saudi Arabia has proven that religious rites cannot be politicized, putting high standards to the services provided to pilgrims regardless of their nationality or origin.

“We are proud to do this and to provide [our service] to Muslim pilgrims throughout their stay in our country. Our way and manner of treating pilgrims from all around the world is the best answer to all the allegations that were raised against us during the past period,” said Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, Emir of Mecca and Chairman of Hajj Central Committee, in a press conference Wednesday according to Saudi newspaper Okaz.


Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 31, 2017. REUTERS


He added that about 300,000 civilians and military personnel were recruited to serve about 2 million pilgrims, including 1,564 Qataris. Further, about 14 projects have either been executed or are being established to ease the pilgrimage rites for worshippers at a budget of about SR 300 million, according to bin Faisal.


Some 21,000 buses are set in the kingdom only for pilgrims’ transportations services, along with 30,000 doctors for their healthcare, according to Mecca Emir. As for those who cannot perform the Hajj rites due to health concerns, they will be included in a medical convoy to alleviate the effort.





During the press conference, Khalid bin Faisal thanked every Saudi citizen who volunteered to serve pilgrims from all around the world. “I am really proud of Mecca and its people for what they do and offer. This is a true honor for us,” he said.


Saudi Arabia announced offering additional services for people with special needs.
On Aug. 18, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (minor pilgrimage) announced that it is working in coordination with other governmental authorities to facilitate the movement of pilgrims with special needs during the pilgrimage season this year.



As part of the services offered by Saudi Arabia for pilgrims, the ministry stated that it will allocate specific flat routers for those pilgrims to reach their destination easily.


It noted that the flat areas will be near the important posts of pilgrimage rites, such as: The Jamarat (stoning of the Devil), the Sacred City Train; a train to transfer pilgrims to the holy shrines and medical centers.



Also, free food and drink is everywhere to be found in Mecca and Medina, along with a large number of civilians and military people who offer help.


In Thursday statements to Egypt today, expert and Islamic researcher Mohamed Moustafa said that all the attempts of accusing Saudi Arabia that it excludes and discriminates between pilgrims due to their nationalities or origins were completely proven to be wrong.





“Saudi Arabia has hosted and welcomed everybody, special services have been offered to all pilgrims. Those who made false accusations were embarrassed as their accusations turned to be nonsense,” Moustafa said.

Several accusations were raised by the Qatari government against KSA during the past period; decisions that were taken during this hajj season, however, show a clear image of the reality.


On Aug. 17, Saudi Arabia announced that it is reopening its borders with Qatar to allow Qataris to attend the pilgrimage. Furthermore, the Kingdom also announced that Qataris can exchange money at Saudi banks. Saudi Arabia also made an initiative to transport Qatari pilgrims through Saudi Airlines and cover their Hajj costs. The initiative, however, was rejected by Qatar.