Guests of Custodian of the two Holy Mosques complete their Hajj

SR20m new Kiswa drapes Holy Kaaba

King receives report on Pilgrims' health status

Prince Abdulrahman conveys King, CP’s greetings to Armed Forces

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a report on the health status of pilgrims in the sacred places, Makkah and the Prophet's city (Madinah).

The report was presented to the King at Mina Palace by the Minister of Health, Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al Mane, who was accompanied by other officials of the Health Ministry.

The report emphasized the absence of any epidemic or Quarantined case among pilgrims to date.

As many as 14 hospitals with 4,167 beds facility are providing health care services to pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. At same time, the number of health centers reached 136.

The report disclosed that the number of doctors, technicians and Para-medical support services' personnel assigned by the Ministry of Health during this year's Hajj amount to 17,427 employees.

The report said the number of out-patients getting medical care at the health centers during this period amounted to 674, 695 patients, and the total number of in-patients in hospitals reached 13,328.

The report noted that the number of births totaled 991 cases.

The reception was attended by Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Abdulilah bin Abdulaziz, the adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, the Chief of the General Intelligence; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, the adviser to the King; Prince Khalid bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the adviser to the King, Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Saud, the adviser to the King; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the President of Saudi Red Crescent Society; Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulaziz bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mansour bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Dr. Fahd Al Abdul-Jabbar, the General Supervisor of the Royal Clinics and the adviser to the King.

Minister of Health Dr. Hamad Almane' announced that the Hajj of this year 1429 H. was safe and free of epidemics and Quarantine diseases stating that all pilgrims are enjoying good health.

The health minister said in the light of the reports submitted by the various local commissions and the field follow-up of the health situation, he would like to announce that this year's Hajj season was free from epidemic and quarantine diseases.

He attributed this good development to the grace of Almighty Allah and the wise directives of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince.

He pointed out that the ministry of health has prepared a comprehensive preventive plan for prevention of epidemic quarantine diseases.

The minister said the pilgrims are subject to examinations at the Kingdom's entry point to ensure that they are free from epidemic diseases.

Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received senior officers of the armed forces; officers participating in Hajj season this year; and a number of citizens who came to greet and congratulate him on the blessed Eid al-Adha.

The Prince congratulated them on this occasion and commended the efforts exerted in the service of pilgrims according to the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince.

Prince Abdulrahman expressed his thanks to and appreciation of all officers and participants from all sectors of the armed forces in Hajj and wished them all success, praying to Almighty Allah to protect this country and to perpetuate the blessing of security and safety.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Meanwhile, in line with directives of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister and the Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee and his deputy Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz the families of the martyrs of duty are performing this year's Hajj at the expense of the Ministry of Interior.

Director General of Military Affairs in the Interior Ministry, Brigadier Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Mohrij said as many as 117 members from the families of the martyrs of duty willing to perform this year's Hajj have been hosted with continuous follow-up by Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs, noting that five reservations have been allocated for each family.

Al Mohrij highlighted that this carefulness and guidance comes as part of the attention which the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and His Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General give to the families of martyrs of duty in recognition of their sacrifices for religion and homeland.

The families of the martyrs of duty expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for its generosity, kindness and caring gesture encompassing them.

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, arrived in Madinah.

At Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, he was received by Prince Abdulaziz bin Majid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region, and other officials.

Prince Naif was accompanied by Prince Nawaf bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and Prince Fahd bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, met evening with staff of the Islamic University in Madinah and the people of the region of Madinah.

In a speech on the occasion, Director of the Islamic University Dr. Mohammad Ala'qla condemned the acts of the deviant group.

Prince Naif delivered a speech in which he underlined the painful consequences and bitter insult caused by the deviant group's violation of the teachings of Islam, their killing of the innocent, violation of the sanctities of Muslims and non-Muslims and destruction of their properties.

A dialogue was held between Prince Naif and the staff of the university during which Prince Naif highlighted the importance of correcting thoughts and did not rule out the existence of parties that are against Islam in general and against Saudi Arabia in particular.

Prince Naif said Saudi Arabia follows the course of Alsalaf Alsalih (past Muslim scholars) and stressed the importance of the Muslim scholars' refutation of the false accusations leveled against Saudi Arabia and its course.

Prince Naif urged the universities to conduct research on the causes of some people's adoption of the deviant thought and how to successfully deal with this issue.

Then, Prince Naif inaugurated the Islamic University's electronic educational channel devoted to fighting terrorism and intellectual extremism and deviation and honored the families of the duty martyrs in Madinah and provided them with sums of money and memorial gifts.

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, received in Makkah the commanders of Hajj Security Forces who were taking part in the Hajj task force.

Addressing the gathering, Prince Naif thanked God Almighty for gracing this country to provide service for pilgrims, wishing pilgrims of this year's Hajj a safe return home.

He conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to security sectors taking part in this year's Hajj.

He lauded Hajj security forces for having done a good job. The security forces were always successful, not only in Hajj duties but also in defending the entire country at all times and everywhere, he said.

He conveyed thanks of all security forces personnel to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and their congratulations on the holy Eid Al-Adha and success of this year's Hajj.

The event was attended by Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Interior, Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs, Prince Nawaf bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and senior officials.

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Interior Minister received at his office, the Algerian Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni and members of his accompanying delegation, who are performing this year's Hajj.

During the meeting, Prince Naif welcomed the Algerian Interior Minister and his delegation members and congratulated them on performing the Hajj and wished them a pleasant stay in the holy places.

During the reception, they discussed a number of issues related to security cooperation between the two countries to serve the interests of the brotherly peoples of the Kingdom and the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria.

On his part, the Algerian Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on its care provided to the pilgrims.

He also hailed the developments witnessed by the holy places and all facilities provided to the guests of Allah Almighty.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Saed Al Orabi Al Harthy, adviser to the Interior Minister and the Algerian ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Habib Adami.

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Interior Minister received at his office Iran's Vice-President Prof. Isffendiar Rahim Mashaee, who is also the head of his country's Heritage and Tourism Organization and members of his accompanying delegation, who are performing this year's Hajj.

During the meeting, Prince Naif welcomed the Vice President and his delegation members and congratulated them on performing the Hajj and wished them a pleasant stay in the holy places.

During the reception, they discussed aspects of closer cooperation to serve the interests of the region at various levels based on the strategic importance enjoyed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The two sides reiterated their constant endeavor to build strong relations with sisterly and friendly countries and affirmed their desire to bring about global security and peace, reflecting positively on the common interests of the region's countries in general and the interests of the brotherly Saudi and Iranian peoples in particular.

On his part, the Vice President of Iran expressed thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on its care provided to the pilgrims.

He also hailed the developments witnessed by the holy places and all facilities provided to the guests of Allah Almighty.

The meeting was attended by Iranian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syed Mohammad Hosseini; Dr. Saed Al Orabi Al Harthy, advisor to the Interior Minister and Major General Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan.

Director General of Iran's external information and guidance Mohsin Moqades congratulated Saudi Arabia led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General on its success in facilitating the pilgrimage's procedures for Muslims and the provision of various services and facilities for them in Makkah and other holy places.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Iranian official expressed also thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom for its hospitality and warm reception to the pilgrims.

He highlighted the importance of promoting ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and forging mutual relations binding their two peoples and governments.

Prince Khalid al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region and Head of the Hajj Central Committee, received Minister of Transport. Dr. Jubarah bin Eid Al-Suraiseri who greeted his highness on Eid Adha.

Speaking to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Suraiseri confirmed the success of the pilgrimage plan this year.

With the grace of Allah Almighty, the pilgrims returned easily and smoothly from Muzdalifa to Mina, he said noting that integrated services were extended to the guests of God in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.

For his part, Prince Khalid said all concerned authorities in Makkah region as well as the security men and security sectors have been dedicating their efforts for the service of the pilgrims, he said.

He said the Kingdom, government and people, do feel honored by the service of the pilgrims.

Prince Khalid noted that all plans set by the concerned authorities for the service of the pilgrims were carried out in a satisfactory manner. Meanwhile, Prince Khalid said the health condition of the pilgrims is excellent and no epidemic cases were reported.

Moreover, the security and traffic condition is excellent and no serious traffic or security cases were reported, he said adding that the pilgrims move from place to the other in the Holy Places easily and smoothly.

Prince Khalid pointed out that the great projects implemented in Makkah and the Holy Places, notably the projects of roads, bridges and tunnels, have positively contributed to facilitating the movements of the pilgrims.

Prince Khalid congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz , the Saudi government and people as well as the Muslim nation and the pilgrims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, and hoped that the pilgrims would return safely to their homelands after performing their Hajj rituals.

Prince Khalid Alfaisal, the Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, on the success of this year's Hajj.

In a press conference he held after the conclusion of the season of Hajj, Prince Khalid attributed the success to the grace of God and then to the wise policy adopted by the Saudi government and the precise plan set by the Supreme Hajj Committee.

Prince Khalid congratulated the pilgrims on performing Hajj and thanked all those who worked during Hajj including the media.

Prince Khalid underlined the success of the cultural and media campaign stressing the implementation of the policy of discouraging people to perform Hajj without a permit.

Prince Khalid highlighted the great projects in the kingdom including those in Makkah covering the project of the expansion of the Grand Mosque and other holy sites costing thousands of millions of Saudi Riyals.

Prince Khalid said the recommendations to be submitted by committees formed to detect the advantages and disadvantages of changing policies and strategies of Hajj administration will be studied by Hajj Supreme Committee later. He cited the residential towers and railways in Mina, random distribution of philanthropic meals, pilgrims' ignorance of the ideal way of performing the rituals, domestic pilgrims' entering Hajj area without written permits, unsheltered pilgrims, the cost of Makkah-based pilgrims, the reported higher cost of Hajj for domestic pilgrims, and the capacity of roads leading from Jeddah to Makkah.

Prince Khalid said the space allocated for domestic pilgrims could accommodate only 220,000 persons, making it impossible for the authorities to issue more Hajj permits. The rest of space is allocated for external pilgrims, he explained.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah region and Chairman of Hajj Central Committee congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; and Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister and Chairman of Hajj Supreme Committee on the great achievement and distinguished organization of this year's Hajj season.

He also congratulated them on the performance of all security and service bodies for providing all necessary services for pilgrims, hoping that this year's Hajj season will be at the highest level of success.

In a press statement after the success of pilgrims' movement from Makkah to Mina, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal stressed that preparations are excellent.

A new black cloth was placed on top of the Kaaba as some two million pilgrims were preparing to move to Arafat.

The Kiswa is 14 meters (42 feet) high, matching the height of the Kaaba, and 47 meters (141 feet) wide, enough to cover the four sides of the cubicle edifice, which are not identical in dimension.

Nearly 650 kg (1,430 pounds) of natural silk was required to make the Kiswa. The silk is imported, but the Kiswa was designed and sewn by more than 200 Saudi employees at a special factory set up by the Kingdom some 30 years ago.

The old covering with all its related pieces is handed over to the Saudi government. It is divided into small sections, and the government gives these as gifts to senior guests, officials, religious institutions, international organizations, and Saudi embassies abroad.

The manufacturing of the Kaaba cover goes through several stages in which imported raw silk is dyed in order to create black, red and green fabrics.

The venerable ancient tradition of re-adorning the Kaaba with the new Kiswa is an annual event. The Kiswa is washed in rosewater and perfumed with musk and other fragrances. A center created specifically for making the Kiswa was set up on the order of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 1927.

With the passage of time and the progress of the art of weaving and the advancement of technology, the late King Faisal decided to develop the center into a factory that could cope with the present day demands. In 1972 King Faisal issued a royal decree to expand the center into what has become Makkah’s Kiswa Factory. It was inaugurated by the late King Fahd, who was then Crown Prince, in 1977.

The Kaaba's Cover consists of five pieces of clothing covering each facet of the Kaaba's ones and the fifth piece is the curtain that is placed on the door of the Kaaba.

The manufacturing of the Kaaba's cover goes through several stages: the dyeing stage in which the imported raw silks in black, red or green fabrics undergo dyeing. It is followed by the stage of fabric printing, then the stage of printing before the stage of the assembly in preparation to install the cover on the Kaaba.

All these stages are done in the factory' sections with more than 200 workers comprising Saudi trained cadres in this specialized domain.

The Factory produces the outer and interior coverings of the Kaaba as well as Kaaba's pieces and flags which Saudi Arabia offers as gifts for very important visitors.

All pilgrims peacefully stayed in Mina valley coming from Arafat, the peak of Hajj, via Muzdalefa, after having successfully performed all the rituals of this day called the "Grand Hajj Day", official reports said.

Upon traditions of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), the pilgrims are obliged to throw the grand stoning, a sole major ritual in Mina valley, followed by a visit to Makkah to perform Hajj's main Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba (house of God) and Saay between the mountains of Safa and Marwa, before going back to Mina to slaughter sheep, goats or whatever if deemed necessary.

Officials told the Saudi Press Agency that the Grand Hajj Day's rituals were done perfectly and smoothly without any serious incidents.

At sunrise of the first day of Eidul Adha, the tenth day of Dhu-Al hijjah, millions of happy and cheering pilgrims reached Mina from Muzdalifah in groups and as individuals on foot and by vehicles,

Acclaiming "At thy service, my Allah, at thy service." They continued to recite intonations and praise of Allah Al-mighty, who graced them to ascend the mount of Arafat, the most important cornerstone of Hajj.

The pilgrims had spent their night in "Muzdalifah" under the blessings of Allah, and the integrated services rendered by their Saudi brothers who are sons of this blessed country which is proud to serve the Guests of Allah, the Two Holy Mosques and the Islamic Nation in every place under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.

The King and Crown Prince have personally overseen all stages of the pilgrims' movements at the holy places and issued directives to the concerned Hajj authorities to provide the highest level of services to the pilgrims in order to ease their Hajj rituals in comfort and security.

Plans have been drawn up by all sectors concerned with Hajj works and service. In this context, security sectors have been successful for this year's Hajj by Allah's grace and the personal follow-up of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee and Prince Khalid Al Faisal, the Governor of Makkah and the Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee.

Upon their arrival in Mina, the pilgrims began throwing pebbles at the 'Big Jamarat' in line with the Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH).

The pilgrims, then, proceeded to slaughter the ordained sacrifice. After this rite, the pilgrims shaved their heads, and returned back to Makkah for the circumambulation rite of "Kaaba" as well as performing 'Saay' walking and running between the hills of Al-Safa and Al Marwah.

SPA's mission in the Hoy Places has spotted the presence of a great number of delegates of Arab, Islamic and international information media organs, who have been very active in covering comprehensively this year's Hajj and the performance of its various rituals.

It also witnessed the smooth and easy movements of pilgrims despite their huge numbers and also the number of a large number of vehicles.

Thanks to Allah Almighty and thanks to the spacious roads and the modern transport means as well as the qualified traffic personnel, the traffic plan turned out to be a successful one.

On their part, the Scout cadets are working day and night to organize the traffic movement and to guide the pilgrims and to ensure their safety.

The helicopters were over-flying to follow up the movement of the pilgrims.

All required services including fresh water and enough quantities of foodstuffs are readily available to the pilgrims.

The centers of the civil defense are spread along the roads and are located at the Holy Places.

Guests of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques completed their Hajj rituals and settled in Makkah in preparation for going to Madinah to visit the Prophet's Mosque and then to Jeddah to return home.

This was stated by Dr Abdullah al-Liheidan, the assistant undersecretary of the ministry of Islamic affairs, endowments, call and guidance for Islamic affairs, who is also the executive president of the program of hosting the guests of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques in Hajj.

In a press statement, he said that this year, the program hosted 585 pilgrims from 16 East European countries while the total number hosted by the program was 1017 pilgrims belonging to 40 countries of various continents of the world.

Meanwhile, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General on the success of this year's Hajj.

The minister congratulated all Saudi authorities concerned on the performance of all security and service bodies for providing all necessary services for pilgrims, hoping that this year's Hajj season will be at the highest level of success.

He also highlighted the efforts exerted by his ministry to serve pilgrims and to enlighten them.