The Government of Saudi Arabia reported that the first stage of Masjid al-Haram reconstruction works, namely widening space around the Kaaba, is completed. The preparation for the arrival of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah still proceeds, through.
Mr Abdul-Aziz Ash-Shaikh, the Supreme Mufti of Saudi Arabia, referred Muslims all over the world and asked to delay the trip to Makkah and Madinah if possible, as this year congestion caused by the proceeding reconstruction works in al_haram is expected.
The Press-Secretary of the Ministry of the Pilgrims Affairs Mr. Hatem Qady also supported this appeal.
The quota for pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah has been reduced by the Government of Saudi Arabia up to 20% for international pilgrims and to 50% for local pilgrims this year. Due to ongoing construction works only 39 000 pilgrims can do their Kaaba circumambulation during an hour. This number will increase to 150000 pilgrims per hour after the works are completed.
Another fact: the number of cleaners will be increased to 8000 during Ramadan to keep the Holy Places clean and tidy.
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