Saudi authorities step up preparations for Hajj season


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Staff working during Hajj this year are taking safety courses to help pilgrims stay safe.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Tuesday on its website that all people working during the pilgrimage would be required to complete the modules.

It said Hajj was considered as a “social responsibility and honour” for employees and guides and that they were one of the “most important factors of success” during the season.

Preparations have been scaled down again this year owing to Covid-19, and the pandemic has created unique challenges for the ministry.

The online development courses aim to enhance the skills of Hajj workers and help them follow security and safety procedures to avoid accidents and injuries.

Hajj workers will receive certificates of approval once they pass all assessments with a minimum score of 60 per cent.

Similar training sessions were held in groups prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj staff training course was titled How to Set an Example and Make a Change and was held in a training centre in Jeddah.

This year, staff must complete two courses – Health and Safety for Hajj Workers and Serving the Pilgrims.

The modules will help them to communicate with one another and with pilgrims, and to manage challenging situations.

Saudi Arabia restricted Hajj to 60,000 vaccinated pilgrims living in the kingdom this year.

The Hajj ministry said residents of 120 nationalities had been chosen to perform the pilgrimage from more than 558,000 applicants.

Next week it will launch an awareness campaign to educate pilgrims about the precautions and instructions that must be followed before entering Makkah, to create a healthy environment for performing the rites of Hajj, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Abdul Fattah bin Suleiman Mashat said the environment during Hajj this year would ensure social distancing was maintained and that other health precautions would be observed throughout the pilgrimage.

The Haramian affairs, a Saudi government agency responsible for the holy sites of Masjid al Haram and Masjid an​ Nabawi, said they will allocate twenty entrances to the courtyard during this year's Hajj.

The Ministry of Transport has provided 3,000 passenger buses that will transport 20 pilgrims each, accompanied by a leader and a designated guide. The usual capacity of each bus is 50, but this year it has been restricted to 20.

The ministry has completed its inspection of tents and sites including Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, where pilgrims will stay during Hajj.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have made arrangements for hospitality for pilgrims with special needs to perform Hajj at the same pace as others. A designated area for their camps has been confirmed.

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  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

 

 

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Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

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Updated: July 07, 2021, 6:38 AM`