Catering Services in Mecca Stop on 7, 14, and 15 Zulhijjah 1444 H

Dream - The Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizer (PPIH) for 1444 H/2023 M has prepared 66 meals for Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Mecca. The consumption package is distributed three times a day since the arrival of the pilgrims in the holy land.

Director of Hajj Development at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Arsad Hidayat, said that on average, catering services for pilgrims during their stay in Mecca last for 22 days. However, there is a phase where catering services for pilgrims in Mecca will temporarily stop.

“Towards and after the peak of Hajj, catering services in Mecca will temporarily stop. Specifically, on 7 Zulhijjah and 14 and 15 Zulhijjah 1444 H,” said Arsad Hidayat in Madinah on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Arsad explained that the temporary suspension of catering services is due to the overcrowding in Mecca. All pilgrims from around the world are already in Mecca. This will cause congestion and make it impossible to distribute catering for the pilgrims.

“Even for nearby areas, it takes a long time to travel just two kilometers. If there is catering, it is likely that the pilgrims will be delayed,” said Arsad.

During the temporary suspension of catering services, pilgrims can buy food from several vendors near the hotel.

Meanwhile, during the peak of Hajj from 8 to 13 Zulhijjah, pilgrims will still receive catering services. The services are provided in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

“PPIH has collaborated with muassasah/masyariq to provide 16 catering services during the Armuzna phase,” he said.

For pilgrims who return to Mecca on 12 Zulhijjah after performing the early departure (nafar awal), they will also not receive catering services at their hotel. This is because catering services are still centralized in Mina at that time.

“Catering services at hotels in Mecca will resume on 16 Zulhijjah 1444 H. This service will be provided to pilgrims who have not finished their 66 meals package in Mecca,” he concluded.

source: Kemenag.go.id