MAKKAH: The 11th Scientific Forum for Haj Research at Umm Al-Qura University was inaugurated on Tuesday evening by Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, who is also Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, on behalf of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The forum will see the participation of 1,000 Haj and Umrah experts and researchers from Saudi Arabia and abroad. On his arrival at the venue, Prince Naif was received by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Central Haj Committee; Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information and Acting Minister of Higher Education; Dr. Bakri Bin Matouk Asas, President of Umm Al-Qura University; and Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Rashad Srouji, Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Haj Research. Addressing the forum, Prince Naif expressed his pleasure at opening the forum and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the King's efforts to serve Muslims who travel to the Two Holy Mosques. He said that the forum demonstrates the determination of the King and the Crown Prince to carry out research for the constant improvement of facilities, so pilgrims can perform their rituals in ease and comfort. The Kingdom has been carrying out this noble duty with great efficiency and dedication as long as Almightly Allah has given this country the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques, he added. Prince Naif noted that the government has spent tens of billions to ensure quality services for the Guests of Allah. Following the ceremony Prince Naif witnessed the signing of two agreements between the Institute and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives and King Fahd Security College.
