Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah and chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, chaired on Wednesday a meeting of the committee, which reviewed the plans and preparations of various government agencies and departments to provide the best possible services for the Umrah pilgrims during the upcoming Ramadan.

The emir reviewed the plans of various government agencies for the holy fasting month, and these included expanding the automated procedures and services with regard to arrival and departure of pilgrims, as well as reducing the period of stay of pilgrims at entry points.

The plan also included beefing up field visits and monitoring tours, raising the readiness of airports, seaports and land entry points as well as pilgrims’ assembling points within the central Haram zone for receiving the pilgrims.

The meeting also discussed several other matters, including the prospect of increasing the number of alternative buses designated to transport the pilgrims.