Saudi Arabia Reveals Plan for Crowd Management in Umrah 2023

Gulf

March 22nd, 8:46am

Jeddah - Asharq Al-Awsat

A view of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. (SPA)

Umrah security forces in Saudi Arabia have introduced the Interior Ministry's plan for the Umrah season in 2023. The program tackles security, managing and organizing crowds, managing traffic, providing humanitarian services, and empowering squads implementing the plan. “The Umrah security plan for (this) year included managing and organizing crowds and traffic, providing humanitarian services, supporting and empowering the entities participating in implementing the plan, and distributing manpower,” said Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami. He said that there were a “sufficient” number of bookings available, and called on pilgrims to adhere to their specific dates, all of which were being organized in coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. Al-Bassami was speaking to reporters during a press conference for the leaders of the Umrah security forces on the ministry’s plans and preparations for this year’s Umrah season at the 911 Unified Operations Center in Makkah. “The expected densities in public transport stations at the entrances to Makkah and the vicinity of the Third Ring Road and next to the Holy Mosque of Makkah were taken into account, and the paths were reorganized to ensure crowd movement safety,” he added. Al-Bassami stressed the importance of wearing face masks to preserve public health and in compliance with instructions for preventive measures and health regulations. Al-Bassami said that large crowds would be directed accordingly and beggars who entered these sites would be dealt with firmly and strictly. Director-General of Civil Defense Maj. Gen. Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj said: “The General Directorate of Civil Defense has completed its preparations in all sites frequented by pilgrims and visitors to ensure readiness, fire prevention and protection, especially in areas that witness high density.” He said that the Civil Defense had coordinated with authorities to take legal measures by applying regulations and controlling violations. Al-Faraj said that the directorate was ready for intensive deployment around the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and important sites through safety inspectors and support forces.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4226811/saudi-arabia-reveals-plan-crowd-management-umrah-2023