Security at Grand Mosque to be beefed up

By Habib Shaikh (Our correspondent)

6 December 2007

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabian authorities are to strengthen security around the Grand Mosque in holy city of Makkah during the Haj.

Gen. Yusuf Matar, head of the Grand Mosque Security Force, said that the extra security has been ordered by Director of Public Security Lt-Gen. Saeed Al Qahtani.

"Our plan is to strengthen security inside and outside the Grand Mosque, and to properly organise entry and exit into the prayer complex. We want to make sure pilgrims are safe and comfortable while providing them with all the services that they need," Gen. Matar said.

He added that security arrangements this year differ from previous years and that the security body has benefited immensely from previous years’ experience.

"This year we have the Safa and Marwa expansion project that is not fully completed. Some parts are finished and will be used during the Haj. Also the bridge connecting the first floor with the square in front of the Ajyad General Hospital is complete. The bridge was first used last Ramadan," he said, and added that stewards and security forces will be on hand to help pilgrims and to ensure things run smoothly. "We have mobilised security inside and around the Grand Mosque to prevent pickpockets from robbing pilgrims. Our forces are monitoring crowded areas using surveillance cameras that are spread across the prayer complex," he said, and adviced that there is no need for pilgrims to carry too much money.

According to him, there are two ways to stop pickpockets. "The first way is to directly fight them using our team and the cameras connected to the main control room. The second way is for pilgrims not to carry big amounts of cash with them and to leave their money back in safety boxes at their hotels," he said.

"Many pickpockets come to the Kingdom just to rob pilgrims. We hope to hunt them down," he added.

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