Masjid Al-Nabawi or the Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Madinah. — AP Saudi Gazette report MADINAH/MAKKAH — Pilgrims on Thursday left Makkah either for their respective homes or for Madinah to pray at the Prophet's Mosque. The focus has now shifted to Madinah where excellent preparations have been made to receive and serve the visitors. About 1,400 surveillance cameras have been installed in the mosque and its plazas, said Commander of the Haram security forces Brig. Abdul Rahman Al-Mishhen. About 220 security men are looking after the cameras along with technicians from a private company who are there to correct any fault. "Our priority is to ensure the safe arrival of pilgrims in the mosque and to monitor any conduct that might pose danger to visitors," he said. Meanwhile, thousands of buses carrying pilgrims made their way to King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah and the Jeddah Islamic Seaport on the Red Sea. The Passports Department (Jawazat) is all geared up for the departure of pilgrims. The Jawazat started sending text messages to pilgrims to leave before the expiry of their Haj visas. The Haj season will officially be declared over on Oct. 15. A number of pilgrims could not hold back their tears while leaving Makkah. On coming out of the Grand Mosque after doing the Tawaf Al-Wada (farewell circumambulation), Jawdat Azam, a Turkish pilgrim, said the services provided to pilgrims proved that the Kingdom was shouldering its responsibility really well. "The cordiality and warm welcome we received in the Kingdom will further strengthen the fraternity and love among the Muslim people," he said. Egyptian pilgrim Saeed Abu Ismail said the expansion of the mataf (circumambulation area) provided wide space for pilgrims to do their tawaf easily. Mustapha Al-Sayed Ahmed, another pilgrim from Egypt, said that only vindictive people with malicious hearts would deny the facilities and services provided to pilgrims. "Since we set foot on this country we have been receiving tangible services that enabled us to carry out the Haj duties in ease and comfort," he said. Mahmoud Al-Khouli, governor of Al-Sharqiyyah (eastern) province in Egypt, lauded the excellent arrangements and consummate services. Hedi Al-Hussani, from Tunisia, praised the health services which prevented the spread of infectious diseases. The Kingdom is worthy of thanks and appreciation for its great health facilities, he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that Saudi Arabia through its health system and services succeeded in ensuring a safe Haj season with no major health threats.
