In my last article, I shed light on 1437H Hajj Season. As the season came to an end safely, everyone admitted its success, which should be counted as one of the achievements of this country, and this hospitable people. This success was actually discernible on the faces of pilgrims, who voiced out their satisfaction and gratitude. Indeed, this went viral on all national and international mass media. As a matter of fact, “hard work pays off." That said, it should come as no surprise that all such successes have been accomplished thanks to the blessings of Allah, in the first place, and to the huge efforts made by the sons and daughters of this country, and to all the bodies concerned with Hajj, both military and civilian.

Let's go back in history for only seven months prior to the Hajj season, and look into the headlines of those history-making moments. At the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his government, the Kingdom spared allocated unprecedented budgets, and spared no effort, to set everything right, so far as the Hajj season is concerned.

In this spirit, the Ministry of Interior made colossal efforts to preserve pilgrims' safety. We all have seen an impressive deployment of security men, supported by a fleet of helicopters; to mention only just one manifestation of such efforts.

Likewise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made pride-worthy efforts in facilitating issuance of visas for pilgrims hailing from all over the world. The Ministry of Health, for its part, has had substantial contributions to the success of the Hajj Season. It provided vaccinations at all points of entry into the Kingdom. That is to be added to his hospitals and primary healthcare centers spread throughout Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Sites.

In the same manner, the Ministries of Defense, Aviation and National Guard played an undeniable role in protecting our country. While the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah took on itself the responsibility of preparing for the Hajj Season, by raising awareness of pilgrims, and organizing courses and workshops. All such efforts, it goes without saying, have been exerted for the sake of Allah, first and foremost, and to make it clear for the whole world that we are capable of serving pilgrims as best as possible. And, in doing so, we are inspired by the decisiveness of our Leaders, HRH King Salman bin Abdulaziz, HRH the Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, HRH the Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, and HRH Prince Khaled al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Chairman of the Hajj Central Committee. Read More…