The Kingdom now has the necessary engineering expertise to effectively expand the Tawaf (circumambulation) area around the Holy Ka'ba to reduce overcrowding. This is according to Dr. Thamer Al-Harbi, Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Institute for Haj Research. Al-Harbi said the institute has the cadres to solve the issue. “We now have several studies that can demonstrate our vision to increase the area's capacity.” Al-Harbi said he was confident in the ability of the institute's researchers because several of their recommendations have already been implemented by the authorities. “The institute is an effective member of the Central Haj Committee and is tasked with studies that can be translated into tangible reality. In fact, of the institute's several recommendations were implemented, such as banning of small cars – carrying less than 25 people – from entering the holy sites during Haj seasons. The shuttle trips, Jamarat Bridge, and proper management of sacrificial meat, were all ideas that had come from institute researchers,” he added. “Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz (Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior) has sought the institute's opinion many times and several studies have been submitted to him. However, we would be proud and honored even if only 10 percent of the institute's studies were implemented.” He said the institute was working on several aspects of Haj, along with other experts in the field. At the 10th Haj Forum held a few months ago, Al-Harbi said 25 working papers were discussed. “The papers covered several areas of scientific study. We discussed food security during Haj, and the role of technology in serving the guests of Allah. This is in addition to the issue of health care, on which four studies were presented.” He said several universities participated with important research, and that there are new studies on transportation during Haj. He said that Shariah studies were also presented but the institute does not interfere with the country's laws because there are specialists to deal with those issues. He said the institute submitted important recommendations to the Central Haj Committee and the Supreme Haj Committee. The institute is working on several suggestions received from people around the world. “We are now cooperating with Malaysian universities and are benefiting from them in terms of technology.” There are 22 permanent researchers at the institute. The number increases to about 150 when university researchers join the team. “We are always in touch with university researchers and involve them in our research. Our door is open for anyone who has a vision for development that is based on accurate field data.”
