“We have a plan to change the face of Arafat with several new projects, which includes the construction of fireproof tents with walls around them,” the official said.
Zainul Abideen said the ministry would complete the rainwater drainage project in Arafat soon after this Haj. “We have already spent about SR170 million on the project that aims at protecting pilgrims from flash floods,” he said.
He added that four levels of the Jamarat Bridge had been completed and would be used this season. Zainul Abideen, who is also acting secretary-general of the Higher Authority for the Development of Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Sites, said the first level of the bridge would be used by pilgrims coming from eastern Mina while the second level is for pilgrims coming from Makkah and western Mina.
“We have constructed four entrances to the third level, which will receive pilgrims from northern Mina and the residential buildings in the area,” he said, and added that the fourth level will be used by pilgrims in southern Mina and on the side of Muaisem Road.
Meanwhile, the ministry of health has appointed 250 officials to update information about pilgrims being admitted to hospitals in Makkah, Madinah and the Holy sites.
