Minister of Media Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad today launched the electronic portal for this year's Hajj: http://hajjmedia.gov.sa as an official source of news, statements and information, including the initiatives, activities and events to be carried out. In a speech to mark the occasion, Dr. Al-Awwad forwarded thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their kind care and support to enable the Ministry of Media and other governmental bodies taking part in Hajj to best serve pilgrims. He confirmed the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's welcome of pilgrims from different nationalities, sects, and races from all parts of the world, noting that all the country's human and material capabilities are under the disposal of guests of God the Almighty to help them perform their rituals from their arrival to their safe departure back home. He announced that his ministry has completed preparedness to host all local, international audiovisual and written media, putting under their hands all state-of-the-art machineries, devices and equipment to facilitate transmitting this great event to the world and reflect the great effort the Saudi authorities and people are exerting to take care of pilgrims. He said the Kingdom has this year invited more than 800 foreign media representatives to cover Hajj events. To this effect, the ministry has well-equipped a number of media centers in Makkah, and sacred places with necessary devices to serve its guests, including journalists and media representatives from inside and outside the Kingdom and provided them with necessary services, including press services, communication networks, computers, and other needs to facilitate their mission. --More 21:23 LOCAL TIME 18:23 GMT 0031 www.spa.gov.sa/1792993
