Jeddah: Arab News

Saturday 22 September 2012

Minister of Interior and Chairman of Haj Higher Committee Prince Ahmad has issued a directive requesting the Ministry of Haj to implement a new grouping plan that extends to the Grand Mosque.

Grouping the pilgrims in the past involved managing the crowds while they move from their tents in Mina until they reach Jamarat. Under the latest directive, the movement of the pilgrims will continue to be managed until they leave the holy sites and enter the Grand Mosque for Tawaf Al-Wida “taking into consideration the density of the crowds and the mosque’s capacity.”

The new directive is aimed at achieving the highest level of safety and convenience for pilgrims and avoiding jostling, said Haj Ministry’s undersecretary and spokesman Hatim Qadhi.