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Contingency plan to evacuate Haj pilgrims in case of natural disaster

MAKKAH - A contingency plan is in place for swift and safe evacuation of the UAE pilgrims in case of any natural disaster, such as floods, Mohammed Obaid Al Mazrouei, head of the UAE Haj Mission, has said.

Al Mazrouei revealed the plan while inspecting facilities for UAE pilgrims in the holy city of Madina.

“We have already called for a meeting with the representatives of different committees in the mission, as well as Haj operators, doctors and scholars to brief them on the precautionary measures to be taken in case of any emergency to guarantee safety of the pilgrims,” Al Mazrouei said.

“Initially, we will ask the operators to be available with their respective convoys of pilgrims. We will also make sure that buses are stationed near the camps. It is, however, the responsibility of operators to provide alternative shelters.”

In Madina, Mazrouei opened the mission’s new headquarters in Al Harthiya Hotel.

The mission’s new facility is just a walking distance from Al Masjid Al Nabawi (the Mosque of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The facility is equipped with clinics, a pharmacy, separate resting areas for men and women, and spacious meeting rooms.

Al Mazrouei said the mission has established channels of coordination with the operators and the Saudi authorities to provide the maximum degree of safety and security to the UAE pilgrims. The mission is closely monitoring weather forecasts.

The mission is also gearing up to distribute over 130,000 meals during the Arafa and Mina days for the soul of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“Words are not enough to describe our gratitude to the unlimited support given by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.”

On Tuesday, the last convoy of UAE pilgrims arrived in Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madina, bringing the total number of UAE pilgrims there to 2,545, distributed in 45 convoys.

Ahead of their arrival, the mission’s officials, headed by Al Mazrouei, made an inspection visit to their residence areas and ensured that they meet the standards and specifications set by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Auqaf).

Al Mazrouei affirmed that all UAE pilgrims are safe. The mission’s medical team is conducting routine check-ups for the pilgrims.

“The mission’s clinics are frequented by 30-35 pilgrims daily, mainly complaining from cold, flu and minor muscles pain. The medical team examines them, prescribe and administer the medicines.

“There are four ambulances deployed to offer necessary medical services to the pilgrims.
Each ambulance is manned by a doctor and a nurse.”