JEDDAH — Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, urged the Haj pilgrims to immerse fully in correctly performing their rituals and stay away from behaviors and slogans that are contrary to the teachings of the Islamic religion and that disturb the purity of Haj and hurt the sentiments of other pilgrims. The crown prince made the remarks while chairing the weekly session of the Council of Ministers at Al-Salam Palace here Monday afternoon, the Saudi Press Agency reported. On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad welcomed the Haj pilgrims who have started streaming into the Kingdom from all corners of the world to perform the obligatory ritual of Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam. The crown prince emphasized the King's keenness in rendering the best ever services and facilities for the pilgrims since their arrival into the holy cities all through the entry points up to their departure after performing their rituals in ease and comfort, according to Minister of Social Affairs and Acting Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi. Al-Qasabi said the Cabinet was briefed on the elaborate preparations and arrangements being made by various government and private departments and agencies to ensure a hassle-free Haj pilgrimage. In this context, Crown Prince Muhammad said that the government will spare no effort in shouldering the sublime mission entrusted by Almighty Allah on the leaders and people of Saudi Arabia for hosting the pilgrims. The Cabinet has decided to consider that all the fiber optic cables, drainage canals, electricity generators and water tanks and their extensions as well as the roads that are constructed or under construction or owned or benefited by any government agencies as public utility facilities. Al-Qasabi said the Council also approved a number of special arrangements made to implement the King Abdullah Project for Developing Waad Al-Shamal Industrial City, which is named after King Abdullah, on the basis of the recommendations made by the minister of petroleum and mineral resources. According to the recommendations, Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) will be entrusted to implement the first phase (A) and the first part of the phase B of the general design of the project that lies outside the land of the Maaden's project for phosphates and associated projects, and that includes infrastructure, and residential and commercial zones. Another recommendation is to entrust Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) to implement the infrastructure projects for the industrial zone and completion of the remaining works of the city on the basis of the general design work. The Cabinet also approved that the city will be handed over fully to MODON for its management, operation and maintenance in regions that are situated outside the periphery of Maaden's phosphate industrial project. Al-Qasabi said that Cabinet endorsed the appointment of Muhammad Bin Abdullatief Jameel as board member of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), representing the private sector.
