Saudi Arabia ‘to deploy all resources’ to ensure safety in Hajj seasons

A three-day workshop began in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to review the emergency Hajj plans taking into account the new developments and changes in the Hajj environment and the ongoing development projects in Holy Sites across the country.
Opening the workshop, Saudi Director General of Civil Defense Maj. Sulaiman Al-Amro said the gathering was being held under the directives of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier, interior minister and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee to 23 ministries and government departments, to review their emergency Hajj plans to ensure consummate services to the pilgrims.
He said the government will deploy all its human and material resources to provide the highest degree of safety and security to the pilgrims.
“The workshop is within the advance preparations for the Hajj season to ensure the success of all its phases and stages,” he said.
Amro said the workshop would discuss last year’s Hajj plans to benefit from its lessons and will also consider the new development schemes which have been executed this year by the Holy Sites and the Grand Mosque.
He said the participants would also discuss the operational plans of each ministry and government department involved in the Hajj services.
“The Civil Defense will coordinate with all the parties involved to further promote its services and will consider the lessons of last year’s Hajj season especially the stampede,” he added.
The director said joint teams comprising specialists in formulating the emergency plans would be established to implement the emergency Hajj plan.
Amro said the workshop would discuss new technologies and the planning procedures to reduce risks during the Hajj.
“The workshop will also discuss the emergency medical evacuation plans and the role of the charity organizations and the media in the implementation of the emergency Hajj plan,” Amro said.

Source: Alarabiya