Saudi Arabia has completed preparations for this yearâs Haj. Some 2.5 million pilgrims from 160 countries are expected and Haj Minister Iyad Madani said regional problems had not affected the inflow of pilgrims from all over the world. The minister said a number of new projects had been implemented in Mina and Arafat to improve the pilgrimsâ welfare and security. âWe have also prepared a plan in cooperation with the Civil Defense Department to deal with flash floods and other dangers during Haj,â he said. Madani said the security and comfort of pilgrims were the main focus of the government and its agencies. âWe have made all preparations as best we can in order to make this annual event a success,â the Makkah-based Al-Nadwah Arabic daily quoted the minister as saying.
Here it comes, the largest single gathering of muslims in one place at one time this year. Or should I say, targets? If you wanted to show that the Saudi royals couldnât protect the Holy Mosques, this is the time and the place. Me, Iâm making popcorn. |