MAKKAH: Saudis are reluctant to drive buses transporting Haj pilgrims, according to Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Khudhairi, Undersecretary of Makkah region's emirate. He was speaking at a workshop on the issue on Monday, organized by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Institute for Haj Research at Umm Al-Qura University. Another speaker, Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Rashed Sarooji, dean of the institute, said Saudis should change their attitude and views toward driving these buses as a service to the guests of Allah and not as an occupation. The workshop was attended by officials from the transport administrations in Makkah region, intellectuals, journalists, and many academics from the institute and Umm Al-Qura University. Sarooji said the workshop participants discussed a number of themes including the nature of services provided for pilgrims, the characteristics of pilgrim bus drivers, and training bus drivers to serve and guide. There was also discussion on social attitudes toward this type of work and the social responsibility of transport service providers. There was also a focus on the initiatives of the authorities and companies to localize the service and ensure its sustainability. The attendees watched a brief presentation on a study focusing on the reluctance of Saudi drivers to work in the field. A second presentation focused on the benefits of Saudization and how to ensure it works properly. In his speech, Al-Khudhairi said the workshop is one of many activities being held prior to preparations for the Haj season this year. Al-Khudhairi said Saudi youths are extremely reluctant to work during the Haj, particularly driving buses, which he considers a noble service to the guests of Allah. He pointed out that such work requires detailed knowledge of the Haj rites and Makkah's roads. He said efforts are being made to draw qualified Saudis into this field. The workshop issued a number of recommendations including calling on research institutions to continue monitoring in the field and focus on the importance of the Saudization of Haj transport jobs.
