Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH – The number of volunteers, who came forward to serve the pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, exceeded 100,570, according to the indices of the volunteer work, released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).

The ministry had also offered more than 35,000 opportunities for young Saudi men and women for the volunteering work during the Hajj, the ministry said in a statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

According to the ministry, the presence of the huge number of volunteers has been instrumental in enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals easily and smoothly, in a way achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The volunteer work and lending a helping hand to the pilgrims during the Hajj season covered a wide range of fields, most notably health, organizational, service, social, guidance and education, in addition to awareness.

The ministry noted that young men and women volunteers have been active in assisting pilgrims in various locations from the very moment of the pilgrims’ arrival at land entry points, sea ports, airports, and grouping and assembly points that are leading to the Grand Mosque and the Holy Sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, and the central area surrounding the Haram, as well as the pilgrims’ residences. This is with the aim of providing all means of support for the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

The ministry is working to attract volunteers on the basis of their experiences and skills to participate in volunteer initiatives at the Grand Mosque and the Holy Sites to provide the best field and organizational services as well as hospitality services for the pilgrims. The ministry will add their volunteer hours through the National Volunteer Work Platform and a certificate will be issued to them in appreciation of their commendable efforts and dedication in serving the guests of God.