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Samples are taken from Zamzam containers, filling points, drinking fountains, and tanks RIYADH: 60 samples of Zamzam are taken from various sites at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah daily and analyzed to ensure the safety of the water, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The samples are taken from Zamzam containers, filling points, drinking fountains, and tanks in an organized and continuous manner throughout the day. They are then analyzed to ensure the water is safe and has not been exposed to contaminants. The laboratory where the samples are analysed is equipped with the best modern technology, and the team that collects the samples and analyzes them is made up of specialist technical staff.  

  Development aims to enrich the visitor experience for pilgrims Project will span 1.5 million square meters, feature 47,000 hotel rooms RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday unveiled the master plan for the Rua Al-Madinah project — a mega mixed-used real estate development to the east of the Prophet’s Mosque. The crown prince, who is chairman of both the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and the Public Investment Fund, said the project, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, would help to raise the hosting capacity for Umrah pilgrims to 30 million over the coming years, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The project, which will be developed by the PIF-owned Rua Al-Madinah Holding Co., will span 1.5 million square meters — of which 63 percent will be open and green spaces — and feature 47,000 hotel rooms, the report said. It will also boast nine bus stops, a metro station, tracks for self-driving vehicles and underground parking, all of which will pr...

Over 5,000 umrah pilgrims arrived at Madinah airport on Sunday RIYADH: More than 100,000 Umrah pilgrims have arrived at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah since the beginning of the Islamic new year on July 30, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. As of Aug.29, 101,109 pilgrims had arrived in the holy city with 5,452 arriving on Sunday at Madinah airport. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that a total of 268,529 pilgrims had arrived in the Kingdom via air since July 30, and 29,689 by land. Indonesians made up the majority of pilgrims with 127,789 performing Umrah since July 30, followed by 90,253 pilgrims from Pakistan, 54,287 from India, 36,457 from Iraq, 22,224 from Yemen, and 12,959 from Jordan. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques makes great efforts to develop the services provided to Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque, SPA said.

  Homage to those helping the elderly and people with disabilities ‘Ambassadors of Humanity’ program marks UN World Humanitarian Day MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has launched its “Mosque’s Servants: Ambassadors of Humanity” program to mark the UN’s World Humanitarian Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. The program is aimed at honoring those who help the elderly and people with disabilities to perform their rituals at the two holy mosques and other sites in Makkah and Madinah. Volunteers push wheelchairs for free for pilgrims, distribute Iftar every Monday and Thursday, and during the three holy days every month known as the White Days. Sheikh Khalid bin Fahad Al-Shalawi, undersecretary general for social, voluntary and humanitarian services, said that qualified volunteers provide services to pilgrims at the two holy mosques. Earlier this month, the presidency had also launched the “Umbrella of Mu’tamer” initiative to provide pil...