Prince Muhammad Bin Nawaf, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, addresses a press conference in London Tuesday. — SG photo by Mozammel Haque By Mozammel Haque Saudi Gazette LONDON — Prince Muhammad Bin Nawaf Bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has applauded the directives of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to serve pilgrims from across the world mobilizing all possible resources. He was addressing a press conference here Tuesday ahead of an exhibition on Haj organized by the British Museum and Riyadh-based King Abdulaziz Public Library. The press conference was attended by the General Supervisor of King Abdulaziz Public Library Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muammar and several British, Western and Arab journalists and media representatives. Prince Muhammad said the huge expansion projects in Makkah and other holy sites have been undertaken to provide all facilities to the ever-increasing number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims so that they can perform their rituals in ease and in comfort. He said about three million pilgrims performed Haj last year while the number of Umrah performers each year doubles this number. He said the importance of Haj makes it the most significant issue dealt with by the Kingdom, and this is clear in the directives of King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, that all sectors should provide the means to care for the security and comfort of pilgrims in Makkah, Madina and the holy sites. Prince Muhammad noted that the “The Exhibition of Haj: A Journey to the Heart of Islam” showcases the experiences of pilgrims in their journeys throughout the ages, indicating that it includes important artistic works and other materials from the archives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Haj is an expression of peace, unity, equality and harmony among men and women of different ages and from different countries,” he said. Prince Muhammad commended the British Museum and the King Abdulaziz Public Library for their efforts in preparing the exhibition. He stressed that the Saudi government does not hesitate to spend generously on Makkah projects and whatever facilitates the performance of Haj and Umrah rituals.
