JEDDAH: Okaz Organization for Press and Publication has won an award from the Ministry of Haj for its outstanding Haj coverage this year. The award was presented at a ceremony held here Saturday. Okaz Organization publishes Saudi Gazette, Al-Nadi and Roa magazine. Okaz was awarded prizes alongside other Arabic newspapers, Al-Hayat, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Al-Nadwah, Al-Riyadh, Al-Madina, Al-Yaum, and Al-Eqtisadiyyah, for Best Individual Press Coverage over Haj, Best Human-Interest Topics, and Best Photographs. Dr. Fuad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, Minister of Haj, handed over the prizes for the best coverage this year. The minister thanked the media for covering the pilgrimage professionally and objectively. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) won the Prize of Merit for its “distinguished efforts”. The prize was received by Ali Bin Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, Director of SPA's office in Jeddah. The late Dr. Mohammed Abdo Yamani won the Prize for Best Press Article for a series of articles entitled “Talks on Haj and its Ethics” published in Al-Nadwah newspaper. The ceremony also honored heads and members of Haj missions. Addressing the ceremony, Al-Farsy conveyed the greetings and congratulations of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, and the Second Deputy Premier on their performance of the Haj rituals. Al-Farsy also thanked all the government departments for providing the “best services and facilities” for pilgrims.
