Leaders of Hajj groups at the training session in Malaysia. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Leaders of Hajj groups at the training session in Malaysia. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Leaders of Hajj groups at the training session in Malaysia. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Leaders of Hajj groups at the training session in Malaysia. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

Hajj 2023: Saudi Arabia begins training international pilgrim leaders


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Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Monday held its first training session for leaders of Hajj groups at Tabung Haji, in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

The programme was launched to train leaders of foreign groups before their arrival in the kingdom. It aims to enhance the quality of service for pilgrims and enable a hassle-free trip to the kingdom.

Additional sessions will be held in other countries.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabiah oversaw the first session in Malaysia, where more than 30 local Hajj group heads were present. It was held under the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Malaysian trainees preparing for Hajj 2023. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Malaysian trainees preparing for Hajj 2023. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

The programme covers all aspect of performing Hajj and crowd management.

Dr Al Rabiah said that Saudi Arabia will welcome 31,600 pilgrims from Malaysia this year, as the kingdom prepares to receive two million pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj season.

Last month India announced that it had abolished the VIP quota for pilgrims and has allowed single women to apply, according to the rules of the kingdom.

A total of 175,000 pilgrims are expected to travel from India for Hajj this year.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that priority for registration this year will go to those who have not made the pilgrimage before.

The ministry opened registration for Hajj in 2023 for pilgrims living in the kingdom, with the price of packages beginning at 3,984 riyals ($1,062).

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Recycle Reuse Repurpose

New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to  handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors

Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site

Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area

Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent  organic waste  and 13 per cent  general waste.

About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor

Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:

Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled

Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays

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UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

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Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

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Updated: March 01, 2023, 10:10 AM