Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH – The Central Haj Committee discussed on Monday a comprehensive plan to transport 25 million Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the remaining months of the Umrah season, including Ramadan and the annual summer vacation, when a huge influx of pilgrims is expected. Makkah Emir Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah, who is also chairman of the committee, presided over the meeting. According to the plan, the worshippers will be transported to and fro between the Grand Mosque, various districts, parking areas and bus stations at the entry and exit points to Makkah. The plan aims at facilitating smooth flow of pilgrims and visitors as well as vehicular traffic. Addressing the meeting, Prince Mishal underlined the need for exerting all efforts to render the best possible services to the pilgrims and visitors to Islam's holiest shrine. He called for beefing up field monitoring to ensure flawless implementation of the plan and intensifying awareness programs among residents and those associated with pilgrims' service. He also thanked Minister of Education Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for his outstanding services and great efforts to improve the facilities and services for pilgrims during his tenure as emir of Makkah and chairman of the Central Haj Committee. The meeting also discussed a report of the Agency for Umrah Affairs at the Ministry of Haj about the current Umrah season and the number of pilgrims who arrived and left the Kingdom. It also reviewed the plans and programs of the Ministry of Haj, Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Makkah Mayoralty, King Abdulaziz International Airport and the National Water Company in extending services and facilities to Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the holy city in the Umrah season.
