Sami Al-Maghamsi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MADINAH — The Ministry of Haj has hired 750 residential buildings to house the pilgrims visiting Madinah after Haj. Madinah Haj Director Mohammad Al-Baijawi said the directorate is expecting more than 650,000 pilgrims to visit Madinah in the coming week. “The 750 residential buildings can accommodate 325,000 pilgrims. Arrangements at about 200 buildings are being reviewed by the Ministry of Haj and the Ministry of Housing after they were issued notices of repair and improvement,” said Al-Baijawi. He said the directorate will focus on the arrival and departure of pilgrims from Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. “The directorate is also ready to receive pilgrims entering Madinah from Makkah by road. We have also set up an information center in the east of the Prophet's Mosque. Pilgrims are encouraged to approach the center for any advice,” said Al-Baijawi. He added the directorate has chalked out a plan to cover all of the needs of the pilgrims during their stay in Madinah. “We have 18 different committees and offices dedicated to serve the pilgrims during their stay in Madinah. We will be responsible for the arrival and departure of pilgrims in Madinah. We are also directly responsible for their lodging and visits to historical sites in the city,” said Al-Baijawi. He also said the directorate has a safety and emergency plan in case the pilgrims sustained any injuries or went through unexpected health issues. “We have set 87 objectives for our plan for the coming pilgrims. All of our services are equipped with the latest technologies and will be closely supervised by our staff members. “Our staff members will be working 24/7 to serve the pilgrims,” said Al-Baijawi.
