2009-11-29 11:41:54
WAM Abu Dhabi, Nov 29th, 2009 (WAM): A English daily newspaper published from UAE specially commended the arrangements made by Saudi government throughout this Hajj season.

Gulf News wrote in today's editorial: 'With the Hajj coming to an end, the efforts of the authorities in ensuring the safety of all the pilgrims throughout this sacred journey should be commended'.

The paper said that there is no question that the Saudi authorities have faced the usual challenges that they have to deal with in any given year, such as ensuring the safety and security of almost 2.5 million pilgrims, which is no easy task.

This year is also an exceptional one given the scare created by the H1N1 virus. The heavy rainfall in Makkah also added to the challenge, noted the paper.

'Nevertheless', said the editorial: 'during this year's Hajj season, there were no major injuries seen in earlier years. This is due to the consistent steps taken by the Saudi authorities in ensuring that the infrastructure in various areas is developed to the extent that it is fully capable and ready to accommodate the tens of thousands of pilgrims'.

WAM/AB