More than 500 field supervisors are overseeing the daily distribution of 70,000 Ramadan breakfast (Iftar) meals in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque. Worshippers start receiving their meals about an hour before they break their fast with the call for the Maghrib prayer at around 7:00 P.M., after which the team deploys a cleaning force to collect the leftovers and garbage. Aziz Bin Omair Al-Raddadi, director of the Courtyards and Parking Lots Administration, is heading the teams. Supervisors ensure smooth, safe operations throughout the courtyards and car parks and distribution of plastic sheets for Iftar meals in the eastern and northern courtyards. A variety of Iftar food and bottled water and juices are served. Philanthropists who wish to provide meals to worshippers are required to do so through shops licensed by the Madina Mayoralty, which ensures food safety and distribution of food in an appropriate manner, one hour before Maghrib prayer. Authorities have requested all potential philanthropists to abide by the meal distribution rules at the Prophet's Mosque. Those who violate the rules will be officially warned. If a violation is repeated, the violator will be referred to authorities. Supervisors also monitor the courtyards after Asr (the afternoon) prayer until the end of the Iftar meal. Courtyards are cleaned with modern machinery after leftovers and garbage are collected promptly. Efforts over the years to ensure food safety have been effective and no cases of food poisoning have been reported, officials said. To ensure safe, efficient operations, supervisors also facilitate worshippers' entry and exit and open the passages to the gates of the Haram. They also separate men from women in prayer areas, combat begging, help old people and people who are lost and monitor maintenance operations and interaction with related authorities. The Courtyards Administration is assisted by more than 70 security men in plainclothes who protect facilities, help with parking and traffic, handle emergencies and maintain a healthy environment and atmosphere. Effective cooperation between the Administration and those who provide meals results in successful efforts in the courtyards, officials said.
