On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdul-Majeed bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah region, washed here today the Holy Kaaba as it is a customary every year. He was welcomed at the Holy Mosque by a number of senior officials. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Hajj Dr Fouad Bin Abdul-salam Al-Farsi, and a number of senior officials in addition to Ulema (Muslim scholars) and members of the accredited diplomatic Arab and Islamic corps in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a group of citizens. Speaking at the end of the ceremony, Prince Abdul-Majeed said the Kingdom has been honored by the service of the holy places. Reiterating the keenness of the Saudi Government on ensuring the comfort of pilgrims, he said King Abdullah has ordered the implementation of the project of development of Al-Jamrat zone, which is due to be implemented at a total cost of SR4.2 billion. 'This project, which is considered as one of the greatest projects implemented in the Holy Places, will positively contribute to ensuring the safety of pilgrims at the Jamrat zone', he said, noting that the implementation of the project will start after this year's Hajj season. Prince Abdul-Majeeed noted that all the required arrangements have been undertaken to provide excellent services to Umrah (minor Hajj) performers and visitors of the Holy Mosque during the blessed month of Ramadan.
