Latest news with #Al-Bassami
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
Over 205,000 Pilgrims Without Hajj Permits Expelled from Mecca
Rabat – Saudi Authorities have expelled more than 205,000 people attempting to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without a permit. Such violations are a recurring issue, mainly committed by individuals who fail to obtain permits due to high demand, limited quotas, or financial constraints. Some also fall victim to fraudulent offices that promise fake permits. These violations occur through unauthorized entry routes, using forged documents, or being transported in private vehicles to bypass security. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, announced new legislation to deal with such violations during the Hajj season. He revealed that Saudi Public Security has identified over 415 fake Hajj offices and turned back more than 269,000 pilgrims without permits. Authorities have imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. Al-Bassami added that security teams arrested 1,239 individuals attempting to transport unauthorized pilgrims. Saudi Public Security turned back a total of 110,000 vehicles at the entrances of Mecca for transporting these individuals, he added. Saudi authorities have established permanent security checkpoints at the entrances to the holy city to stop violators. Authorities are aiming to ensure safety and proper organization of the pilgrimage, as these violations could cause serious overcrowding and increase risks of accidents and stampedes. Millions of Muslims from across perform the annual pilgrimage each year. The religious ritual is one of the five pillars of Islam, an obligation for all worshippers physically and financially capable of performing it. Tags: HajjMeccaSaudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia drives 205,000 unauthorized pilgrims out of Makkah and busts 415 fake Hajj offices
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Director of Saudi Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami revealed that Public Security teams have driven out more than 205,000 people without Hajj permits from Makkah. Addressing a joint press conference of the Hajj security commanders in Makkah on Sunday, he said that the security forces have turned back more than 269,000 people without Hajj permits from entering Makkah. "The Public Security officials have arrested 1,239 people who attempted to transport illegal pilgrims, and imposed penalties on more than 75,000 violators of Hajj regulations. The security teams also busted more than 415 fake Hajj offices," he said while revealing the adoption of punitive measures to deal with violators during the Hajj season. During the press conference, the Hajj security commanders reviewed the security and organizational plans for this year's Hajj season, Al-Bassami said that Saudi Public Security was able to employ artificial intelligence to boost its security plans to crack down on violators of Hajj regulations. He stressed that security personnel will be on the lookout for anyone who violates the Hajj regulations. Al-Bassami said that Public Security has turned back 110,000 vehicles at the entry points to Makkah for transporting unauthorized pilgrims. It also impounded more than 5,000 vehicles that were planning to transport pilgrims without permits. Saudi Public Security has activated permanent security checkpoints at the entrances to Makkah to apprehend violators. Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba revealed that the number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has exceeded 1.47 million. The number of countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative has increased to eight countries with 12 embarkation points. Al-Murabba said that the Passports Department has worked to facilitate procedures for pilgrims in the countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative, indicating that they have equipped ports with the latest technology and provided multilingual staff to serve pilgrims. "We have field teams equipped with mobile bags that provide services at all locations and help identify unidentified persons," he said. Al-Murabba urged the pilgrims to depart quickly after the Hajj season ends to avoid exposing themselves to legal accountability. He revealed that the General Directorate of Passports has made the preparations to ensure the departure of the pilgrims after performing the rituals of Hajj. The Ministry of Interior affirmed its ability to deal firmly and effectively with anything that might undermine Hajj security. The State Security Presidency revealed the availability of robust security plans to manage crowds at the Jamarat facility during Hajj. "Pilgrims are in our eyes, and violators are in our grasp," the ministry said adding that it is providing protection to maintain order at vital Hajj sites. The ministry stated that Special Emergency Forces will carry out field missions to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent infiltrators and violators from accessing the holy sites without permission. On Saturday, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reviewed the readiness of Hajj security forces to carry out their field missions to maintain the security and safety of pilgrims at the annual ceremony organized by the security forces participating in this year's Hajj. "Under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, I witnessed today the preparations of the Hajj Security Forces. I am proud of the complete readiness and advanced capabilities I saw, and I ask God to grant us all success in fulfilling our leadership's aspirations for a safe and successful Hajj on all levels," he said.
Leaders
26-02-2025
- Leaders
Public Security Director: Enhancing Ramadan Crowd Management with AI-Driven Efficiency
Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, Director of Public Security, announced the approval of the 1446 AH Umrah security plan by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Minister of Interior. The plan integrates security, traffic management, crowd control, humanitarian services, and support for participating entities. This year's plan prioritizes field reports, statistics, and streamlined operational protocols to align with current seasonal demands. Authorities will strategically deploy human and mechanical resources to ensure seamless pilgrimage rituals. Al-Bassami emphasized coordination with partners to deliver exceptional services to pilgrims. Public Transport Hubs to Ease Congestion The plan activates public transport stations around the Grand Mosque, Third Ring Road, and Makkah's entry points. These hubs aim to distribute high-density crowds, particularly during Ramadan's first days and peak last ten nights. Historical data shows congestion escalates by the 20th of Ramadan, reaching its zenith in the final week. The Grand Mosque's ground floor and rooftop will prioritize pilgrims for Tawaf (circumambulation), coordinated with the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques. Designated gates—King Fahd, King Abdulaziz, Umrah, Salam, Fath, and Nadwah—will link to staircases for rooftop access. Al-Bassami confirmed upgrades to northern platforms and expanded capacity in the Third Saudi Expansion and external plazas. These areas will accommodate worshippers while maintaining full service accessibility. Traffic Flow and Post-Umrah Crowd Management The plan balances traffic across zones, opening the Al-Shamiyah corridor near the Third Expansion to ease southern plaza pressure. Post-Umrah, crowds will redirect via the Beni Sheba Bridge to western areas like Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street or Jabal Al-Ka'bah, a strategy proven effective in prior years. Authorities will leverage AI and real-time surveillance via the Command-and-Control Center to address emerging issues. Al-Bassami praised Mecca's residents, expatriates, and visitors for their cooperation with security personnel. A dedicated strategy for Ramadan's last ten days will reinforce earlier measures, optimize successes, and address challenges to ensure unobstructed pathways. Previous seasons saw prayer rows extending to the Second Ring Road. This year, pilgrim routes from the Second Ring Road to the Grand Mosque's courtyard will remain open to prevent bottlenecks. Short link : Post Views: 1
Saudi Gazette
26-02-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Public Security chief inspects readiness of security and traffic forces for Umrah season in Ramadan
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Director General of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami inspected the readiness of the security and traffic forces and agencies to implement the plans related to the Umrah security during the peak annual Umrah season in the holy month of Ramadan. He witnessed a drill of the security agencies participating in the field deployment in the presence of the Commander of the Umrah Security Forces and field commanders. The tour of Lt. Gen. Al-Bassami included the sites and paths inside the Grand Mosque and its courtyards. He was briefed on the mechanism for implementing the approved security plans for the security and safety of the guests of God and the services rendered to them.
