All went according to plan at Hajj 2021, say government officials MINA: Most of this year’s Hajj pilgrims had left Makkah by midday Thursday after performing the farewell circumambulation ritual at the Grand Mosque. Security, Hajj and health officials have confirmed that all their plans were successfully carried out, and no serious health issues were recorded. Before the closing circumambulation of Kaaba, the pilgrims threw pebbles at the three pillars in Mina, with agents representing all the government’s Hajj-related authorities monitoring the stoning process. Throughout the ritual, the pilgrims abided by the precautionary measures. To ensure their safety, they performed their second-day ritual in organized groups. Pilgrims normally spend three days in Mina for the Days of Tashreeq. However, it is permissible to stay for two days on the condition that a pilgrim leaves before the sunset of the second day. HIGHLIGHT The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that inspection tours uncovered a substandard food service in some Hajj camps. The ministry assured it would impose severe penalties on companies found to be offering a second-rate service. This is called “Ta’ajol,” or hastened Hajj. Otherwise, they should remain in Mina for the third day, when they are required to repeat the stoning ritual. Beyond the Kingdom’s impressive health and security efforts, some pilgrims were disappointed by the quality of food served by private companies that failed to meet customer expectations. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Twitter that inspection tours uncovered a substandard food service in some Hajj camps. The ministry assured it would impose severe penalties on companies found to be offering a second-rate service after conducting investigations in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Makkah municipality. “We will also consider reevaluating these private companies. The service providing licenses of these contractors may also be withdrawn,” the ministry said. It added that the services provided by private companies should match the quality of the government authorities in their offer to pilgrims.