JAKARTA - The General Presidential Agency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, announced a number of policies related to the implementation of the 2021 Hajj pilgrimage amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acting Minister of Medai Majid AL-Qasabi revealed that the Saudi Arabian government is ready to serve all pilgrims or visitors to the Two Holy Mosques during this Hajj season.
"The Kingdom's government has enabled all relevant sectors in the country to facilitate the services of pilgrims, and utilized all security, safety and health capabilities to facilitate services (which enable) pilgrims to perform Hajj rituals with ease," he explained as quoted by Arab News Thursday, July 1.
Al-Qasabi said this year's Hajj will be the second in the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus.
He said the decision to limit the hajj to 60,000 pilgrims, all from within Saudi Arabia, was aimed at protecting them and ensuring their rituals could be carried out as safely as possible.
Meanwhile, President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Abdurrahman As-Sudais said the authorities were working to implement all possible health precautions. While ensuring the pilgrimage can take place, experiences are enriched and appropriate hospitality is provided in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
"The presidential plan is based on several pillars that highlight the values of generosity and friendliness in providing services to pilgrims," said Abdurrahman As-Sudais.
Regarding the provision of water for pilgrims, As-Sudais said his party would distribute sterilized Zamzam water bottles. The latest artificial intelligence technology will be used to distribute water using robots and high-tech smart vehicles.
"The presidency will provide more than 800 manual and electric vehicles to help people move around the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, making it easier for elderly and disabled worshipers to perform their prayers," he said.
He further explained that around 5,000 workers have been recruited to sterilize the Grand Mosque, its courtyards and other facilities 10 times a day, using more than 60,000 liters of disinfectant and the latest cleaning technology.
"The presidency also plans to provide gifts, including umbrellas and sterilizers, which will make it easier, safer and more comfortable for the congregation to worship," he said.
As-Sudais said the presidential plan was prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other relevant authorities, including increasing the number of paths that pilgrims must follow inside mosques.
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