A total of 220 permanent and seasonal inspectors have been mobilized to prevent pilgrims from shaving their heads in the yards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah after completing Umrah. The move is to uphold standards of hygiene and cleanliness. The yards have been carpeted for prayers. The inspectors have been deployed by the Administration of the Yards at the Grand Mosque, an affiliate of the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque. The inspectors are tasked with directing Umrah pilgrims to licensed barber shops. The administration also urged Umrah pilgrims and visitors not to use the yards as gathering places because this hampers the movement of pilgrims and creates other problems. It also said people should not make ablution at Zamzam water areas because these areas are allocated for drinking only. People have also been asked to refrain from filling containers and bottles with Zamzam water because the water taps in these areas are only set aside for drinking water. Moslah Al-Hamadi, Director of the Administration of Yards, said the inspectors are also there to prevent trading in Zamzam water and cereals sold by worshippers which are used to feed pigeons. He said the administration is mainly tasked with curbing bad habits and malpractices. This includes preventing visitors from smoking in the yards and taking photographs unless they have a permit from the presidency. Al-Hamadi said there are 17 colored maps designed to enable pilgrims to identify main streets, services areas and roads surrounding the Holy Mosque. He said under the supervision of the presidency there are charitable societies which distribute meals to worshippers to break their fast.
