Over eight hundred international journalists to cover hajj

Jakarta, Aug 3 (Antara) - Over 800 journalists from all over the world, including Indonesia, will simultaneously perform the Hajj and cover the Islamic ritual, Saudi Arabian Media Minister Dr. Awad Al-Awad revealed. Awad made the announcement at the launch of the Hajj media plan and the official ministry website, which contains information on all Hajj activities. In a statement released to reporters via short message service received by Antara here on Friday, Awad said the Ministry of Media will host and serve more than 800 leading foreign media workers who will be covering the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Media will host television channels from all over the world as they broadcast the Muslim pilgrimage through satellite transmission, international news agencies, and other forms of media, Awad said. He added that the ministry has prepared several media centers in Mecca and other holy places to serve journalists and media professionals from Saudi Arabia and other countries. The Ministry of Media will provide media services needed by journalists. Communications networks, computers, studios, and mechanisms will be available to the media to facilitate activities related to their coverage of Hajj activities, such as interviews. Awad explained that the media centers will provide photos and live videos, as well as complete information and data, about the Royal Government`s efforts to expand the two holy mosques, Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, and develop the surrounding urban areas. The expansion projects also include constructions in a number of holy places to facilitate the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. He added that the ministry`s international communications center would coordinate with various international media and global press outlets to prepare broadcast materials in different languages. Various information and data on Hajj activities can be retrieved through the official website, http://hajjmedia.gov.sa.