Yesterday, the College of Business Administration, represented by the Department of Hajj and Umrah Management, went on to hold a number of specialized forums in the area of hajj and umrah pilgrimage. This was in cooperation with the Coordination Council of Local Hajj Operators and the Public Relations and Media Department at Umm Al-Qura University. 

The Flocking Forum was held at King Abdulaziz Backup Hall in Al-Abdeyyah, in the presence of Major General Dr. Muhammad Al-Qarni, Advisor to the Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Operations and Emergencies, and a number of those interested and specialized in the area of hajj and umrah pilgrimage. 

Through the Forum, Dr. Al-Qarni provided a detailed explanation of the flocking plan in the stages of escorting hajj pilgrims until they stand in the place for the Arafat rituals; their heading for Muzdalifah; and escorting them to the place for the Mina rituals. He further demonstrated the flocking times adopted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as well as the ways for avoiding remarks during flocking times. Dr. Al-Qarni concluded his meeting with responding to the queries posed by the directors of field service bureaus and the flocking members working at domestic hajj pilgrimage companies and establishments.  

Moreover, a workshop entitled “Flocking Portal: User’s Guide to the Flocking Monitoring and Follow-Up e-System for Arbab Al-Tawaif Establishments.” A number of officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained detailed steps for recording the actual flocking data coming from the camp on the flocking automatic system.  

It is said that the forums are going to discuss a number of topics in the coming days; the Awareness Forum for First Aid and the Forum for Hajj Pilgrims Safety will be included.  

Dr. Muhammad bin Nayef Al-Shareef, Head of the Department of Hajj and Umrah Management, praised the efforts exerted by the administration of the Coordination Council of Local Hajj Operators in holding such forums, being a source of awareness for their affiliates. He clarified that this would achieve the ultimate goal, which is safety for the hajj pilgrims of the Sanctified House of God. He also lauded the support and attention given by Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, President of the University, as well as his keenness on holding such events at the University and continuing the community partnership with sectors and entities.