Haj

There are 2 posts tagged Haj (this is page 1 of 1).

Syrian Conflict Creating Bus Shortage for Haj Pilgrims

Buses During Haj

Syrian instability could lead to a serious shortage of buses to transport people coming to Saudi Arabia for the soon to arrive Haj season.

The president of the National Haj and Umrah Committee at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saad Al-Qurashi, said that his committee is already well involved in organizing for the upcoming Haj season, with procedures for registration counters to open already underway.

"But they are still awaiting the Haj Ministry's spot allocations for companies and institutions in the holy sites of Mina and Arafat," he said.

Due to the ongoing turmoil now taking place in Syria, the availability of buses from there, which are among the most crucial and least expensive, is uncertain. Buses from Turkey are also facing obstructions as the border there is closed.

“If buses are not available from Turkey, the Egyptian market would be considered," Al-Qurashi said.

Buses from Jordan are not an option, Al-Qurashi added, due to the high prices that bus companies there charge.
 

Pilgrims to Mecca Offered Deal From Oman Mobile

Customers of Oman Mobile, the mobile phone subsidiary of Omantel, can now more easily stay connected with their loved ones back home while they participate in the Haj.

Haitham Abdullah al Kharusi

The deal was announced by Haitham Abdullah al Kharusi, the vice president of the consumer business unit of Omantel. Beginning on October 26th, and continuing until November 30th this year, Oman Mobile customers will only have to pay a flat rate of 99 baisa per minute when they use their mobile phones in Saudi Arabia while receiving roaming service with Mobily or STC for all calls made between Oman and Saudi Arabia, both incoming and outgoing included.

Al Kharusi explained his company’s new offer:

“Haj is a special time for all Muslims and we at Oman Mobile recognize the importance of keeping our customers in touch with their families wherever they are.

“The new offer will enable our customers to stay in touch with their families and friends back home at low rates introduced for the first time.

“No matter if the customer is subscribed to Mada postpaid or Hayyak prepaid, calling or answering calls, daytime or at night, Oman Mobile customers will enjoy this never- before-offer of a flat rate of 99Bzs per minute.”

Omantel is one of Oman’s leading telecommunications companies, offering Omani citizens a modern network of communications services allowing them to stay connected within the Sultanate and the rest of the world.