Syria Fundraising Drive in Saudi Arabia

Overwhelming response to the Syria fundraising drive in Saudi Arabia

A popular fundraising campaign, ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to alleviate the suffering of Syrians displaced by war, started on Tuesday all over the Kingdom. It was covered live on Saudi television channel 1.

King Salman allocated SR100 million to the campaign. Reports showed that there has been overwhelming response from all parts of the Kingdom to the fundraising campaign.

The King donated SR20 million of his own money to the campaign, Crown Prince Mu­hammad Bin Naif donated SR10 million, and Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman contributed SR8 million.

The King ordered on Mon­day the launch of the fundraising campaign for Syrians displaced by a five-year civil war, including those evacuated from Aleppo, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Taking part in the telethon, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh donated SR100,000. He urged citizens and expatriates to donate whatever they can to help the people of Syria who are in distress.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fouzan, and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, both members of the Council of Senior Scholars, are among the prominent scholars who urged the public to take part actively in the campaign with rushing assistance to the Syrians.

The General Sec­retariat of the Council of Senior Scholars called for generous contributions. The Council said in a state­ment on Tuesday that Syr­ian brethren, who have been displaced by oppressive powers, are in desperate need of help and support.

At the outset of the campaign on television, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Royal Court and general supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, highlighted the significance of making the campaign a resounding success.

The campaign announced that donations can be made via SMS from Saudi Arabia through all the telecom companies. SR10, SR20, or SR30 can be donated through a message of 1, 2, and 3 respectively to the uniform number of 5565.

Alternatively, money can be sent through bank transfer to the National Commercial Bank (Al-Ahli Bank) using the account number SA2310000020188888000100. Both citizens and expatriates from all parts of the Kingdom are urged to take part in the campaign with their generous donations.

King Salman has instructed the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to coordinate with the concerned agencies in the provision of relief supplies, including food, medicine, and shelter, provide treatment for those injured, and setting up of tents with distribution of all assistance to cope with the biting cold in the winter season on an urgent basis.

The Center urged to send donations to its two special accounts for the purpose: SA5655000000099088000757 at Saudi Fransi Bank and SA9510000022185556000107 at the National Commercial Bank. More details can be had from contacting the toll free number 920008554.

In response to the directive of King Salman, emirs and governors of various regions have appealed to the people to contribute generously to make the campaign a great success. Tabuk Emir Prince Fahd Bin Sultan has donated SR1 million to the campaign.

More than 11 million Syrians — around half of the population — have been displaced by the fighting, which began in 2011 and has killed more than 300,000 people.

In a related development, Germany lauded the humanitarian campaign announced by King Salman to support the people of Syria, especially those in Aleppo.

German Development Minister Gerd Muller announced on Tuesday 15 million euros in emergency aid to the people affected by war in Aleppo. “The humanitarian gesture of King Salman served as a balm and solace to the people of Syria with a message to them that they are not alone,” he said.

Meanwhile, a caravan of Jordanian pilgrims with special needs left Amman for Makkah to perform Umrah pilgrimage at the expense of King Salman.

The Handicapped Child Care Charity Association in Irbid, Jordan and the Medical Educational Center are organizing the caravan under the supervision of the Saudi embassy in Amman.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/overwhelming-response-to-the-syria-fundraising-drive/

Saudi Green Card System For Expats

Green card only for foreign investors and top expats

Saudi green card will only be given to foreign investors and highly qualified experts among expats, according to a top Shoura Council official.

He said a number of ministries are still studying the procedures of granting the permanent residence card. The regulations will be announced soon.

Speaking to Arab News, Fahd bin Jumaa, vice president of Economic Committee at the consultative body, said the Kingdom expects to reap economic benefits generated by experts in the expat community.

Many expats are eyeing the card that will enable them to stay in the Kingdom.

“The new system will be similar to the US residence model. The Saudi government is interested in taking advantage of foreign investors and extraordinary expats,” bin Jumaa said.

Awad Al-Assiri, a Shoura Council member, previously told Arab News that the plan would be discussed in the body’s full sessions, in the same way other legislation is studied before being passed to the Cabinet for approval.

“The green card will attract foreign investment to the Kingdom. Many expatriates will take advantage of the new program. At the same time, the Kingdom will benefit from the fees paid by expats to have a green card,” he said.

The system is expected to generate around $10 billion annually through reduced remittances and other sources, besides bringing in billions of dollars in foreign investment, say economic experts.

The plan will abolish the existing sponsorship system, with expatriates required to pay Zakat and possibly value-added tax.

The card will also allow them to own property and undertake business activities. The Kingdom is home to over 10 million foreign workers. Saudi Green Card System For Expats

Source : http://www.arabnews.com/node/939276/saudi-arabia

Saudi Arabia’s plan to issue permanent residence or “green cards” to foreign workers has been warmly welcomed by the expatriate community.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman disclosed plans for issuing such cards similar to the US green card system that allows hiring more foreign workers for a fee.

The plan will abolish the existing sponsorship system for holders, who will be required to pay zakat and value-added taxes, if any, besides premiums on insurance, etc. They can own property and undertake commercial, industrial and related activities.

“The plan is very welcome for those living here for over 40 years. I would also suggest that naturalization be given to those who have at least one child willing to serve in the armed forces in any capacity,” said Amir Qayyum, a business development executive from India.

“This is actually in recognition of the universal human rights of residency. We are glad to see the host government extending such a privilege to deserving expats,” said John Monterona, convener of the new OFW Forces Worldwide.

A senior systems engineer at Tawuniya, Saleh Ampaso Bucay, who has been working here since 1992, described the move as a dream come true.

“I am just like many other expatriates who have spent more than half of their lives in this country. All my children were born here. So it is really a great honor if this privilege of either permanent residence or a green card is granted to us,” Bucay observed.Saudi Green Card System For Expats

He added that as a Muslim, it will also be a great opportunity to work hand in hand with the citizens in developing the country and protecting it from the enemies of Islam. “I love this country and would like to die and be buried here,” he said.

Gilbert G. Alarcon, senior ISO system auditor at Dar Arriyadh Consultants, said it is a good development as expats already consider Saudi Arabia their second home. “The feeling of acceptance in retrospect gives more meaning to an already fruitful partnership and cooperation between the citizens and expats.”

Rey Eduard Quiblat Umel, an architect and a project engineer, termed King Salman’s wisdom and vision “very exemplary.” The Saudi-Philippine partnership will increase by leaps and bounds, boosting the development of their peoples, he said.

“This will also help the Kingdom’s economy and increase its revenues. It will bolster their manpower without relying on oil,” said Jehad Zacaria Pangcoga, from the Philippines.

Green Card holding expatriates Cannot offer these Facilities:

Green Card holding expatriates would not be able to vote in elections.

They would not be able to hold any public office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

They would not be able to remain outside of the KSA for a long period of time.

They would not be allowed to enlist in to the Saudi Armed Forces

Saudi Green Card System For Expats

Lifting Haj Quota Boost Makkah Businesses

Lifting of Haj quota cut to boost Makkah businesses

The lifting of a 20 percent cut in Haj pilgrims’ quota will help Saudi businesses in Makkah compensate for the SR60 billion losses they suffered over the past four years when the measure was implemented due to Haram expansion projects, said Maher Jamal, chairman of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

There was a 10-year low in the number of Haj pilgrims in 2016. A total of 1,325,372 foreign Hajis and 537,537 domestic pilgrims performed Haj in the year bringing the total to 1.86 million, which is much lower than a record 3.16 million pilgrims who performed Haj in 2012.

“We have estimated the total losses suffered by relevant sectors in Makkah as a result of a 20 percent reduction in the quota at SR60 billion. The cut continued for four years with an annual loss of SR15 billion,” Jamal told Al-Watan Arabic daily.

He commended the Saudi government’s efforts to expand the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah, spending billions of riyals to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims who come to perform Haj and Umrah.

“The expansion of the mataf (the circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) and prayer areas at the Grand Mosque in Makkah will enhance the comfort of pilgrims and other worshippers,” the chairman said.

Jamal highlighted the economic impact of the recent decision taken by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to lift the 20 percent reduction in the quota at national and international levels.

“This will increase Haj flights to the Kingdom from all over the world operated by different airlines.”

He expected a substantial increase in Haj and Umrah services in the coming years.

Jamal said the increase in the number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims this year and in the coming years will boost the Kingdom’s economy.

“The royal gesture to lift the cut in the quota will make Muslims all over the world happy as a large number of them intend to visit the holy places in Makkah and Madinah.”

He believed that the housing sector in Makkah will be the greatest beneficiary of the decision, followed by the businesses involved in transportation, food and catering, retail trade, gifts and electronics, and all other service providers including the health sector.

Jamal stressed the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure facilities for pilgrims.

He said the Haramain Railway, which is expected to start operation next year, will bring about a paradigm shift in pilgrim transportation between the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

He expected considerable growth in air transport between Saudi Arabia and other countries as a result of a remarkable increase in Haj and Umrah pilgrims.

The MCCI chairman highlighted the growing private sector role in the Haj and Umrah sector where many businessmen have invested more money to set up various service projects that would benefit pilgrims. These projects include construction of hotels and purchasing of modern buses.

There was a 10-year low in number of Haj pilgrims from across the world in 2016.

A total of 1,325,372 foreign Hajis and 537,537 domestic pilgrims performed Haj in the year bringing the total to 1.86 million, which is much lower than a record 3.16 million pilgrims who performed Haj in 2012.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/lifting-haj-quota-cut-boost-makkah-businesses/

Snow Fall in Some Saudi regions

White and brown merged into one color as snow covered the desert sand in central and northwestern regions in Saudi Arabia after temperatures dropped below zero degree Celsius.Snow Fall in Some Saudi regions

In the central city of Shakra and the northwestern city of Tabuk, thin layers of snow carpeted the ground.

In Tabarjal, a town located in the northern Al-Jawf region temperatures reached -3 degree Celsius, and in Al-Quryat, a northern province, the temperature was -1 degree Celsius.

While mid-October usually marks the short-lived peak for Saudi Arabia’s rainfall season, the Kingdom is still experiencing light to medium showers.

Professor Abdallah Al-Musanad, professor of climate science at Qassim University, told Alarabiya.net, that rainfall is expected by the end of this week in all of western, eastern and central Saudi Arabia.

He said this is “the second rainfall this season,” even though 40 days have passed since the end of rain season.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/snow-covers-sand-saudi-regions/

Snow fell over the northern part of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, December 20, 2016. This  pictures contributed by Arab News readers in Turaif, a town in Northern Borders Region, close to the border with Jordan.Snow Fall in Some Saudi regions

Saudi Arabia's northwestern city of Hael was covered with snow Sunday after almost three days of unrelenting weather conditions, according to Al Arabiya correspondents.

A number of provinces in the kingdom have been hit with floods and hailstones as temperatures dropped dramatically.

People have posted pictures on Twitter and other social networking sites showing snow allegedly taken in Saudi Arabia's Hael.

Snow Fall in Some Saudi regions

Dependents Fee Linked to Iqama

Confirmed: Dependents’ fee payment linked to iqama in Saudi Arabia

The authorities have officially approved the advance payment of expat dependents’ fee at the time of iqama (residence permit) issuance or renewal to the tune of SR100 for each individual starting July 1.

Informed sources said the fees will be paid annually in advance by expat workers when their dependents’ iqamas are sent for renewal or when new iqamas are issued.

The fees will be doubled to SR200 for every dependent from July 2018, tripled to SR300 in 2019 and quadrupled to S400 from July 2020.

The sources said the amount collected from the expat dependents’ fees will go to the state’s treasury. They said the current SR200 a month levy paid by private sector companies and establishments for every foreign worker (SR2,400 per year) will continue to be paid up to the end of the current year.

From January 2018, the levy will be doubled to SR400 a month per expat worker.

At the start of 2019, the workers’ fees, to be paid by the private sector, will be increased to SR600 and then to SR800 in 2020.

The sources said the workers’ fees of SR200 monthly will be paid to the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf). But from January 2018 when it is raised to SR400 the collected revenues will be divided equally between the fund and the state’s treasury.Dependents Fee Linked to Iqama

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/confirmed-dependents-fee-payment-linked-iqama/

Here is what the new expat levy will cost:

In 2017

• Dependents of expats will each incur a monthly fee of SR100, from July onwards

In 2018

• Dependents of expats will each incur a monthly fee of SR200, from July onwards

• In companies where the number of foreign employees is equal to or lower than the number of Saudis, a monthly fee of SR300 will apply from January onwards

• In companies where the number of foreign employees exceeds the number of Saudis, a monthly fee of SR400 will apply from January onwards

In 2019

• Dependents of expats will each incur a monthly fee of SR300, from July onwards

• In companies where the number of foreign employees is equal to or lower than the number of Saudis, a monthly fee of SR500 will apply from January onwards

• In companies where the number of foreign employees exceeds the number of Saudis, a monthly fee of SR600 will apply from January onwards

In 2020

• Dependents of expats will each incur a monthly fee of SR400, from July onwards

• In companies where the number of foreign employees is equal to or lower than the number of Saudis, a monthly fee of SR700 will apply from January onwards

• In companies where the number of foreign employees exceeds the number of Saudis, a monthly fee of SR800 will apply from January onwards

Dependents Fee Linked to Iqama

8.3 Lakhs Saudi Families Need Financial Support

830,000 Saudi families need financial support

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development will launch in February a program to help low- and middle-income families, a source was quoted as saying by Al-Madinah newspaper on Sunday.

The program, termed “Hisab Al-Muwatin,” facilitates payment to social insurance recipients.

The source said that the families in need of social insurance funds constitute 12 percent of Saudi society.

There are 830,000 such families and 2.5 million individuals.

These families will be automatically registered in the program. They do not have to visit the ministry’s office to register in the program.

The source said the program divides social insurance recipients into five categories.

The first category includes people with a maximum monthly income of SR8,699. The second category includes people with a monthly income between SR8,700 and SR11,999. The third category includes people with a monthly income between SR12,000 and SR15,299. The fourth category includes people with a monthly income of SR15,300 and SR20,159. The fifth category people with a monthly income of SR20,160 will not receive financial support.

The source said that no decision has been issued yet detailing the amount of financial support the families will receive.

The program encourages families to be conscious of their consumption of water and electricity.

On Thursday, Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan announced the launch of the 2020 fiscal balance program and the Citizen’s Account initiative. 8.3 Lakhs Saudi Families Need Financial Support

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/830000-saudi-families-need-financial-support/

King Salman’s Program for Umrah

The first pilgrims hosted this year by King Salman’s Program for Umrah and Visit arrived in Madinah on Wednesday.

The first batch of guests includes 185 pilgrims, and the second is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, completing the first group of 220.

The pilgrims are from 15 countries in Asia and Africa including Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Mali, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Uzbekistan.

The program is implemented and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.

The program’s officials welcomed the guests at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. 

The guests paid tribute to King Salman for hosting them within this program to perform Umrah and stay for several days in Madinah.

They stressed that the program comes in the context of the venerable and good efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia and its leaders in serving Islam, providing support for Muslims, and creating ways that enable them to perform Haj and Umrah.

They hailed the importance of this program in achieving continuous communication with Muslims around the world.

Abdullah bin Mudlij Al-Medlej, executive director of the Program for Umrah and Visit, welcomed the guests.

“An itenary was designed for the guests in Madinah and Makkah to acquaint them with the Kingdom’s care of the Two Holy Mosques and serving the Holy Qur’an,” Al-Medlej said in a statement. King Salman’s Program for Umrah

King Salman’s Program for Umrah

Housemaid New Rules in Saudi Arabia

15-year jail terms for maid traffickers

The labor and interior ministries have again warned that those trafficking in housemaids will be imprisoned for a maximum of 15 years or SR1 million or both, according to a local media report on Monday.

The ministries stated that violators would be named and shamed, which means having their identities made public on all media platforms in the country, including their punishment. 

All those involved in the illegal hiring of housemaids would be penalized including brokers and those knowingly employing them. They said that all recruitment must be made through the Musaned website.

The Labor Ministry said earlier this year that there would be strict monitoring of all agreements signed with countries sending workers to the Kingdom. All recruiters would have to register on the Musaned site, which is linked to countries abroad, including the Kingdom’s embassies.

It also warned that there would be continuous and unannounced raids on offices involved in recruiting workers, and that citizens and expatriates should not deal with unauthorized offices. Members of the public can check whether an operator is licensed by logging on to the Musaned website.

If they encounter any problems, they can file complaints on musaned.gov.sa, the customer service line 19911, or through the branches of the labor ministry across the country. All complaints would be investigated and violators held accountable, the ministry stated.

Source : http://www.arabnews.com/

15-year jail, SR1m fine for trading in services of maids

 The Ministry of Labor and the Public Security authorities have warned of stringent penal action against those involved in trading in the services of runaway maids.

Such violations will amount to human trafficking and the perpetrators will get up to 15-year jail term or SR1 million in fine or both, they said.

The warning came in the wake of ads appearing in various media outlets, especially in social media, offering the services of illegal domestic workers.

“Smuggling of domestic workers with the intention of exploitation or intimidation will amount to human trafficking.

“The trader, broker, employer, and all those associated with them will face penalties in line with the provisions of the law to combat crimes of human trafficking,” the ministry sources said.

Several people, involved in trading in the services of of domestic workers, who violated the labor and residency rules, were arrested during raids after they published ads about their services in the media.

They have been transferred to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution to complete the investigation process and then referred to judiciary for taking penal action against them.

The ministry urged the citizens not be misled by the ads appearing in the media to get housemaids in an illegal way.

Recruitment firms have to publish wages of domestic workers on the ministry’s Musaned portal and list their professions and nationalities.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/

Housemaid New Rules in Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia Prison Images

Inside a typical prison in Saudi Arabia

Prisoners in Saudi Arabia have access to an education with classrooms and teachers. (Supplied)

Commonly in the middle east a prison is some stone structure. Expect cells. The ones I have seen have like beds often in two layers. Maybe 6 to 8 beds in a cell. The cell door is rarely locked but can be. Food is fairly basic. Expect maybe an egg, some bread, some butter. Dinner is some biryani like rice with chicken. Water is from clean taps. Toilets are holes in the ground and you need to wash your end with your left hand and available water. It takes some practice. Inmates frequently visit other cells. That said, it is not a hotel like in most of europe. The ones I have been in did not have TV and very little else to do than chat with others.

Prisoners with good behavior are rewarded with upgraded sleeping quarters.

Inside a prison sleeping cell.

Another look at accommodation inside a Saudi prison showing a decorated living area.

Prisoners are tasked with performing their own laundry.

Inside a dining hall in one of Saudi Arabia's prisons.

The courtyard where prisoners are allowed to exercise.

Image Source: https://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/photo-gallery/2016/12/24/Take-a-look-inside-a-typical-prison-in-Saudi-Arabia.html

Saudi Arabia is home to over three million Indian expatriates. A large number of Indian prisoners are currently serving sentences in different jails across the kingdom.

In addition to social and psychological care, health care is guaranteed for prisoners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Besides, the Saudi government and the charities take care of the prisoner's family and give them every help and support.

This continuous support helps rehabilitating prisoners and encourages them be good members of the society again.

Below are some of the healthcare programs offered to prisoners all over the kingdom:

Health care

Main prisons include integrated dispensaries that offer comprehensive medical services; they are as well responsible for the cleanliness of prisons and prisoners.

The offered health care includes:

1- Preventive health care:

• Making sure that new prisoners are not infected with contagious diseases.
• Monitoring prisoners' personal cleanliness.
• Vaccinating prisoners against contagious diseases.
• Examining prisons' staff.
• Examining prisoners to make sure they are free from infectious deceases.
• Assuring cleanliness of prisons facilities.
• Getting Municipalities health authorities' help in pest control and other areas of preventive care.

2- Treatment:

• Establishing health centers with specialized departments in the main prisons that are open around the clock.
• Establishing health centers in the branch prisons to provide first aids when needed.
• Small branch prisons refer patients to the general and specialized hospitals.
• If a prisoner's case is critical, his/her family is notified and allowed to visit him/her.
• The appropriate health care provided by prisons help prisoners keep fit and make them get used to healthy habits. Health care also help keep the prisoner's morale good. In addition to protecting prisons environment against infectious diseases, the provided health care help rehabilitate prisoners.

The social workers duties include the following:

• Examining the prisoner's case once he arrives at prison.
• If the prisoner supports a family, the social worker registers number of the family members, the family's financial resources, and address. This data goes to the social insurance authority to provide the prisoner with economic assistance.
• Keeping a file that contains all data about the arrested/prisoner including family conditions, relations and the clashes with others.
• Meeting the prisoner to know his/her needs.
• Watching the prisoner's ability to get along well with other prisoners.
• Studying the prisoner family's case and urging the social insurance authority and charities to help his/her family.
• Preparing seminars and lectures concerning taking care of prisoners.
• Completing studies and researches on the problems encountered by individual and groups of prisoners, and planning for solving the problems systematically.
• Training prisoners on practicing exercises and participating in social activities, this participation may minimize chances of making problems in the prison.
• Before releasing a prisoner, the social worker helps prepare him/her for living out of prison. The social worker also prepares the prisoner's family to receive him/her and handles problems that may face the released prisoner.
• The psychological specialist studies the prisoner's mental and psychological state and the factors that may affect him/her; then he suggests a comprehensive plan to relieve the prisoner's tension and help him/her get rid of the psychological pressure.
• The social worker and the psychological specialist work together on solving the prisoner's problems and helping him develop self-confidence and make the best use of rehabilitation programs.
• The social worker works with the psychiatrist on studying, diagnosing, and treating some cases that need care and follow-up.

Continued care:

Once the prisoner arrives at prison, the specialized people take care of him/her; they also take care of the prisoner's family members to protect them against being involved in criminal activities. The specialised people qualify the prisoner for earning living and leading a happy life after release.

The concerned staff members give the released prisoner all the required support needed to rejoin the society. The team keep taking care of the released prisoners; they guide and support them to refrain from getting involved in criminal activities again. The team provides financial support in cooperation with the Social Insurance, the charities and the other concerned parties.

The general administration of consequent care in the Ministry of Social Affairs take care of the released prisoners, give them training and help them get jobs that suit their potentials.

Taking care of narcotics and drugs addicts (in prison and after release)

Medical dispensaries in prisons provide medical and psychological care for the narcotics addicts prisoners. Every dispensary's team includes a Psychiatrist who takes care of the narcotics addicts prisoners and refer them to "Al-Amal" hospitals when needed.

Men of religion also preach the addicts about the harms of narcotics and drugs. Committee of the Convicted also studies the case of every one of the addicts prisoners and advise him/her to avoid taking narcotics/drugs. The committee works in cooperation with the concerned parties to watch the released prisoner and help him/her repent. Before releasing an addict prisoner, the committee gets a report that proves his/her blood is free from narcotics and drugs.

The social worker plays an important role in studying the case and finding the reasons of deviation.

In accordance with HRH the Minister of Interior's directives, the concerned parties help the released prisoners find jobs that suit their potentials.

If the released prisoner is still in need of medical care, she/he is referred to one of "Al-Amal" hospitals as a normal citizen, not a prisoner.

Saudis kindness and Generosity

Saudis shower a cleaner mocked on social media with gold and money

An Asian street cleaner in his 50s did not realize that a sarcastic comment about him on social media would result in an outpouring of support and make him rich in a matter of hours.

The man, Nuzroul Abdul Karim from Bangladesh, was photographed looking at gold on display at a jewelry shop.

A social media user mocked him and uploaded the photo, captioned: “This is as far as you can go. You can only look at the garbage.”

Saudis were hurt by the unkind comment.

A businessman with the Twitter handle @ensaneyat began a campaign to look for Abdul Karim.

He sent out a tweet which was retweeted 6000 times and in about three hours the Bangladeshi cleaner was finally located.

Abdul Karim received six expensive gold jewelry items and seven mobile phones in addition to cash as gifts from Saudis.

He said he had no knowledge of what was happening on social media until some of his colleagues told him about it.

He said he would give the jewelry and the mobile phones to his wife and four children (three boys and a girl).

Abdul Karim was extremely moved by the support of the Saudis. He said he would take permission from his company to go to Makkah to perform Umrah to thank Allah for His bounties and also to appreciate the kindness and generosity of the Saudi people.

Citizens said that the person who uploaded Abdul Karim’s photo with racist comment did not represent Saudis who are known for their kindness and generosity.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/saudis-shower-cleaner-mocked-social-media-gold-money/

Humanity Still Alive in Saudi Arabia

Why Hajj Umrah Pilgrims Getting Lost in Makkah

Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

Old age, language problem, getting separated from group are some of the reasons why pilgrims get lost in the Grand Mosque and the central area around it. 

Makkah Arabic daily has put together a list of the top ten reasons. Usually, pilgrims try to find those who speak their language or police officers to ask for direction to their hotel. This becomes a real problem when a pilgrim is unable to communicate with authorities or when he or she is unaware of the name or location of his or her hotel.

“You also need to take into account the age of pilgrims and their social and cultural backgrounds,” said supervisor of Turkish pilgrims Ahmad Halabi, who stressed that the Saudi Ministry of Haj pays special attention to lost pilgrims and make sure that they reach their destination.

He cited a number of reasons and factors why pilgrims get lost, which include old age. Elderly pilgrims find it difficult to remember the doors through which they entered the Grand Mosque. “The Grand Mosque is big and the streets and roads around it are confusing. Some insist on leaving their hotels alone and refuse to stay with the group. That’s when most of the accidents happen,” Halabi said.

“Some pilgrims refuse to carry wrist bands, which contain their names and location,” he said.

The Makkah Municipality is working to develop an indicative map of Makkah and major important sites in the city, he said.

1. Old age

2. Language problem

3. Unfamiliarity with maps

4. Not knowing the name and location of accommodation

5. Not knowing the name of the office for pilgrim affairs

6. Unfamiliarity with the name of the street or neighborhood

7. Not paying attention to nearby landmarks

8. Ditching the group

9. Removing the wrist band

10. Going to the Grand Mosque from one road and leaving from another.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/reasons-why-pilgrims-get-lost-in-makkah/