Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — The British Embassy in Riyadh has launched a Twitter awareness campaign for British pilgrims coming to perform the Haj next month.

The campaign included a live Twitter Q&A to inform British pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia about the facilities provided by local authorities and consular assistance available to them.

Ambassador Simon Collis said to Saudi Gazette: “The annual Haj pilgrimage is one of the largest gatherings of Muslims in the world, with almost 24,000 British nationals visiting the Kingdom during this time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and commend the efforts of the Ministry of Haj for all the arrangements they make.”

The campaign also included Twitter posters with tips and some detailed information. A press release also issued to UK media about consular assistance available to British pilgrims in the Kingdom.

The embassy encouraged travelers to follow #HajiUK and send their questions to @UKinSaudiArabia on Twitter. It asked all pilgrims to plan ahead before departing and to check the requirements set out by the Saudi government to ensure a safe and trouble-free Haj.

The consular help desk posted advices to pilgrims regarding the pre-procedures and the requirements. The consular staff dedicated a 24-hour helpline (966 5010 04268) that pilgrims can contact in the case of emergencies during the Haj.