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MAKKAH More than half a million South Asian
pilgrims will perform Haj this year, said the chairman of
the Tawafa Organization for South Asian Pilgrims, Adnan Katib.
“The organization is striving to offer better services
to pilgrims this year than the previous ones,” said
Katib. “The plan for this season is based largely on
a desire to ensure maximum safety and comfort and provide
the best facilities as ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and Makkah Gov.
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal,” Katib said. He said the organization’s
workers are well equipped to discharge their duties and have
undergone various workshops and training sessions. Katib said
the organization has opened 87 offices to provide various
kinds of assistance to pilgrims. “The organization has
also provided jobs to more than 1,000 Saudi youths on a contract
basis. Every year we form new committees to explore employment
opportunities for youths, including women, in coordination
with various research institutions such as the Umm Al-Qura
University,” Katib said. He added that the organization
used to employ women to serve women pilgrims, particularly
to take care of the sick. “Women workers in our organization
visit various hospitals in Makkah and offer sick pilgrims
necessary help,” he added. He said the organization
also benefits from the voluntary services of women citizens
in Makkah, particularly with the special interest shown by
Princess Adilah. Katib said the organization is undertaking
a SR215 million project to construct a building complex covering
an area of 10,000 sq. meters.—Agencies |
