On a directive from Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Riyadh police implemented a comprehensive field security plan in the capital during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan.
An official from Riyadh police said preparations and procedures come with the beginning of the last 10 nights of Ramadan to provide citizens and residents with the maximum degree of tranquility and peace of mind while carrying out their Taraweeh and midnight prayers (Qiyam Al-Layl), as well as to maintain security in shopping places.
He added that the plan is scheduled to continue until the end of Eid Al-Fitr’s events; it will include prayer yards and sites specified to celebrate this happy occasion.
The capital of Riyadh becomes the busiest place in the Kingdom during the last 10 days of the holy month with worshippers going to mosques for scheduled prayers at night, families visiting malls to do their Eid shopping, expats leaving for their home countries and police controlling traffic snarls in the city.
King Salman Social Center has lined up a series of Eid programs for families to entertain children and women. The programs include theatrical performances, poetry sessions and folk dances. There will be gifts for children who participate in the events.
Meanwhile, some 4,900 Civil Defense personnel have been deployed to tackle any emergency in Makkah and Madinah during the this time.
Director General of Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Saad Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri said that 3,900 personnel have been deployed in and around the Grand Mosque in Makkah and 1,000 stationed at the Prophet’s Mosque and areas around it. The deployment will cover the new expansion areas in the Grand Mosque and all major roads in Makkah, as well as all vital installations and accommodations, and facilities serving Umrah pilgrims.
A standby force will support Civil Defense personnel to boost the capability of field teams and units, Al-Tuwaijri said. The Civil Defense sends SMS messages to Umrah pilgrims and also alerts them through screens put up in front of the Grand Mosque gates about crowding inside the mosque, he said.