Missing Omani pilgrim in Saudi Arabia found

Muscat: Abdullah Al Hattali, the 51-year-old Omani national who went missing 11 days ago, was finally found by another pilgrim, according to Ibrahim Al Kharousi, the Omani Haj Attaché in Saudi Arabia.
“Abdullah was found by another national pilgrim after his photo was circulated in the area in an attempt to trace him as there were reports that he had been spotted earlier,” Al Kharousi said from Saudi Arabia.
He added that his (the missing person’s) son, Hamad Al Hattali, and another relative were leading the search effort along with the campaign organiser.
“My father is in a good condition and we are flying back home on Tuesday,” said Hamad. He added that he was very much relieved and happy to have his father back. “I still don’t know how my father would have spent the 11 days away from home without any connection with the campaign organiser and the Haj Attaché.
Ibrahim advised pilgrims, especially the elderly, that they should always be accompanied by relatives or the campaign organiser. “Every pilgrim should carry all the relevant documents, including identity card and proof of address of residence,” said Ibrahim.
Need for guides
He stressed that Haj and Umrah organisers should send guides as well along with the drivers. “There are several cases where groups of pilgrims perform Umrah or Haj without any guide which results in people going missing,” Ibrahim said, adding that each group of pilgrims must be accompanied by at least two guides.
In 2015 also, an Omani pilgrim, Anwar bin Salim Al Sinani, had gone missing during the Haj stampede in Mecca. Later, his body was found and laid to rest in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs, out of the 18,587 haj applicants, only 9,081 were approved. The ministry announced earlier that 2,346 pilgrims had not specified their mode of travel yet, and called upon them to update the ministry.
The ministry stated that 3,034 pilgrims will travel over land for the Haj, while 4,522 will travel by air. The ministry has called upon pilgrims who have been contacted by the ministry for approval to register their campaigns through the approved website hajj.com. The ministry warned that any other way to register campaigns will be not accepted.