In an effort to better serve pilgrims and streamline ministry operations, JEDDAH’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has launched a number of online services.
One of the services provided is an app that raises knowledge of Sharia law and helps educate pilgrims about the rites of Hajj in languages other than Arabic.
The “Rushd” app has been developed to distribute trustworthy e-books and is linked to an online library.
Among these offerings is a modernised electronic platform for conducting transactions, a system for managing reports, and a “virtual workspace” for government employees.
Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, stated, “The ministry aims to implement all digital transformation standards according to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
The number of pilgrims who have arrived in Madinah to complete this year’s Hajj is 744,862, according to the Hajj and Visit Committee. A total of 587,845 were reported to be on their way to or already present in Makkah.
Meanwhile, services for female pilgrims are provided by the Women’s Affairs Agency at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Staff members have been better equipped to handle guests, clarify rules, and provide basic translation and interpretation thanks to a series of training sessions.
The Madinah Presidency has also initiated a programme called “Comfort and Spirituality in the Prophet’s Mosque,” with the intention of easing the experience of visitors to the holy place.
Meanwhile, the Health Affairs division provided assistance to the estimated 14,000 Iraqi pilgrims who passed through the Jdeidet Arar land crossing in the Northern Borders region.
In addition, the Health Affairs office said that the Jdeidet Arar Central Hospital now has 50 beds, including six intensive care beds with state-of-the-art equipment.
In addition, an emergency room and an operating room have been established. There are ten separate outpatient clinics within the hospital.
