By ARAB NEWS

MAKKAH: On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Prince Naif, second deputy premier and minister of interior, inaugurated a scientific forum for Haj research, which is attended by nearly 1,000 speakers, experts and delegates.

Prince Naif commended the efforts of King Abdullah to improve Haj services. “King Abdullah’s support for this forum is a good example for that.” He wished every success for the forum and hoped it would contribute to further improving services to the guests of God.

“Toward Realizing the Vision” is the title of the forum, which is organized by the Haj Research Institute of Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, who is acting higher education minister, attended the opening session.

Bakri Assas, president of the university, commended the government’s efforts to manage the annual pilgrimage, the largest congregation of Muslims in the world. He also noted the institute’s efforts to improve Haj and Umrah services by carrying out scientific studies.