Prince Faisal briefed on Haj projects in Madinah

Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman yesterday held talks with Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar on new projects to improve facilities for pilgrims visiting the holy city. Hajar gave a presentation on the ministry’s various projects to improve Haj services including the electronic track system, the interactive electronic gateway and the geographic information system. He said 2.4 million Umrah pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom since the Umrah season began three months ago. A record 6 million Umrah pilgrims are expected this year. The minister also spoke about an advanced program to enlighten pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah through videos, maps and films in different languages. Hajar disclosed plans to establish a Haj terminal at Prince Muhammad International Airport in Madinah at a cost of SR 32 million, adding that it can accommodate 2,400 pilgrims. “Work is in the progress on the second phase of the ministry’s headquarters in Madinah,” Hajar said while explaining efforts to establish a pilgrim city in Yanbu and develop resting places for pilgrims who travel by road. Meanwhile, Prince Faisal opened a book and information exhibition at Madinah Islamic University on Monday. The exhibition is organized as part of activities to mark the selection of Madinah as the capital of Islamic Culture for 2013. The governor toured the various pavilions after opening the show in which a large number of publishing houses are taking part, displaying Islamic and scientific books. Muhammad Al-Oqla, president of the university, said nearly 200 publishing houses and bookstores in addition to IT centers and scientific and cultural organizations are participating in the exhibition, which will continue until April 12. Arab News