Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, has ordered all government departments and agencies to prepare properly for this year's Umrah season, to provide pilgrims with a safe and secure environment. Agencies at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah have already announced that their plans are in full swing for the Umrah season which started at the beginning of this month. An influx of Umrah pilgrims and visitors will arrive in the middle of the month of Rabi Al-Awwal (February-March). Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Khudairi, Undersecretary of Makkah Emirate, said Prince Khaled wants a spiritual atmosphere for pilgrims. Prince Khaled also ordered that workshops be held monthly to discuss the best way to prepare early for the season and to draft operational plans and goals, Al-Khudairi added. The workshops must include officials from the Ministry of Haj, General Authority of Civil Aviation, King Abdul Aziz International Airport, companies in charge of operational plans, security forces, airline companies and the Customs department, Al-Khudairi pointed out. “The Kingdom's citizens are honored and proud to serve Umrah pilgrims. We're here to provide them with the best services from the moment they arrive until their departure. We will provide them with different means of transportation.” Al-Khudairi, who is also chairman of the preparation and executive committees of Haj and Umrah, recently launched one of these workshops where all government agencies met and discussed operational plans and how to overcome obstacles. The government officials also discussed fixing the date of the Umrah season, government circulars for Umrah and Haj services, common operational plans and the development of operations. The participants agreed to exchange information on flight schedules, supervision and follow-up and operational plans. Meanwhile, Dr. Hatim Al-Qadi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Haj, said that the electronic Haj program can be used for the Umrah season. The program makes it obligatory for government and private bodies to provide their services through a linked electronic program. “The program cuts the time officials take to process travelers' documents at ports of entry.” Al-Qadi also said senior General Authority of Civil Aviation and Saudi Arabian Airlines officials suggested that operational incentives should be given to foreign airline companies if they submit flight schedules early. __
