260,000 Arabs performing Haj this year

A total of 260,000 Arabs from various countries are performing Haj this year, according to a local organizing official.
Mohammad bin Ibrahim, management supervisor at the holy sites, and a member of the National Tawafa Arab Establishment, said that the Arab Haj camps in Arafat and Mina have been set up over 2 million square meters.
He said 114 field service groups were providing services to Arab pilgrims. The space in Arafat was over 1.4 million square meters, and in Mina 375,314 square meters.
Meanwhile, bin Ibrahim said that the establishment has produced special guidelines that mutawiffeen, or guides, have to follow at the holy sites, especially when communicating with pilgrims. He said field service teams would only be approved based on contracts.
He said contractors must have valid commercial licenses. The establishment has set up a database of regular contractors. It also plans to blacklist those who do not meet contractual agreements, particularly regarding safety directives from the Civil Defense.
He said the government allocated camps early this year to ensure guides could prepare properly for pilgrims. Fifty-percent of Arab pilgrims' camps in Arafat have inflammable and insulated European tents.
Bin Ibrahim said 300 experienced Saudi engineers, technicians and administrators have been assigned to provide services to the guests of God.
He said the administration of the holy sites have been divided into five sections. The establishment had allocated space in Mina and Arafat based on the number of pilgrims performing the Haj this year. This was undertaken by offices in both holy sites and in coordination with the government.