MAKKAH — The Tawafa Establishment for South Asian Pilgrims has employed more than 6,000 staff consisting of mutawwifs (Haj guides), administrators, technicians and workers to serve more than 400,000 pilgrims coming from the region in addition to Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Spokesman for the establishment Omar Bin Siraj Akbar said: “These employees will implement the establishment's Haj operational plan for this season. “The employees will be deployed at various entry points, reception centers as well as in Makkah and the holy sites to extend services to the pilgrims. “We plan to provide the guests of God with comprehensive, ideal and impeccable services.” He said the operational plan was based on scientific and field studies, taking into account the feedback from previous years. “The plan focuses on deploying all material and human resources as well as modern technologies to provide pilgrims with consummate services that will enable them to perform their Haj rites in ease and comfort. “We will be serving the pilgrims from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure.” The spokesman said for the first time this year the establishment has set up a support committee to extend assistance to the field teams in case of emergencies. “We have also formed small female committees to spread awareness among women pilgrims, visit them at their accommodation and cater to their needs and requirements,” he said. Akbar said the establishment has completed all its arrangements for Haj well in advance. “We have held a series of meetings with the Haj missions and service-providing companies to further promote our partnership with them for the welfare of pilgrims,” he said. The spokesman said the establishment's employees in various sectors have been thoroughly trained and qualified to serve pilgrims to the best of their abilities. He also said the establishment has published its operation plan, Haj guides and other related material on its website.
