Saudi Interior Ministry: Umrah travellers must make bookings using app

Jeddah: The Saudi interior ministry stated on Tuesday that pilgrims who wish to participate in the Muslim Umrah ritual must now make an appointment using the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps.

“The Umrah security plan for (this) year included managing and organizing crowds and traffic, providing humanitarian services, supporting and empowering the entities participating in implementing the plan, and distributing manpower,” said Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami.

He emphasized that there were "sufficient" reservations available and urged travellers to keep their scheduled departure dates. All of these arrangements were made in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Arab News reported.

He was speaking to reporters at a press conference for the heads of the Umrah security forces at the 911 Unified Operations Center in Makkah about the ministry's plans and arrangements for this year's Umrah season, according to the state-run SPA news agency.

“The expected densities in public transport stations at the entrances to Makkah and the vicinity of the Third Ring Road and next to the Holy Mosque of Makkah were taken into account, and the paths were reorganized to ensure crowd movement safety,” Al-Bassami said.

In order to protect public health and to follow the guidelines for recommended preventive steps and health regulations, he emphasized the significance of wearing face masks.

Al-Bassami claimed that large crowds would be directed in the appropriate direction and that beggars who entered these locations would be dealt with firmly.

Major General Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, the Director General of civil defense, said, “The General Directorate of Civil Defense has completed its preparations in all sites frequented by pilgrims and visitors to ensure readiness, fire prevention and protection, especially in areas that witness high density.”

He claimed that the Civil Defense had worked with the relevant officials to implement laws and control violations.

Al-Faraj stated that the directorate was prepared for intensive deployment of safety inspectors and support troops around the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and other significant sites.

He gave credit to the fire and emergency services in Makkah, Madinah, the holy site centres, and the timing of the deployment of mobile units.

Al-Faraj also commended the creation of several rapid response teams, particularly in Makkah's central region, particularly in the vicinity of the Prophet's Mosque and other significant locations.

Maj. Gen. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, the deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Passports, claimed that his organization had worked on early social and technological equipment and preparations for the Umrah season, developed plans and executive programs, increased media awareness, improved communication, and supported and helped operating agencies for pilgrims.

He claimed that the directorate had finished its operational preparations by providing ports with the manpower and cutting-edge technology necessary to quickly complete the procedures for pilgrims at all international ports. Qualified staff members who could communicate in a variety of languages were also employed to assist guests in following the Umrah instructions.