Prince Faisal made this statement when he took part in the iftar program of the security forces in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque recently. He appreciated the gesture of the security men who have opted to break their Ramadan fast in the field while on duty.

Appreciating their services in the discharge of duty to the nation, the prince said their contributions go a long way in maintaining peace and security in their areas of operation.

The informal event was attended by Madinah police chief Abdul Hadi bin Shahrani, commander of the emergency force in the Madinah region Maj. Gen. Hamid Al-Tuwaiqri and Director of Madinah Traffic Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ajlan Al-Shanbari.

In a brief statement, Abdul Hadi said that the presence of the governor at the iftar boosted the morale of the security men working. “We were all encouraged and energized by his valued presence at the iftar.”

He said that there are 17,000 security men in various parts of the Madinah region, including area around the Prophet’s Mosque. “These officers are supervised by 400 seniors,” he said, adding that security forces have implemented a three-pronged strategy to control traffic, prevent crimes and offer services to pilgrims.

Millions of pilgrims visit the Prophet’s Mosque during the holy month when they come for Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah.

The local hotels in Madinah, in liaison with tour operators, arrange city tours to historical sites for the benefit of pilgrims.

The places of interest include Quba Mosque — the first mosque built by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Madinah, Qiblatain Mosque where the Qibla was shifted from Baitul Muqadas (Al-Aqsa Mosque) to the Kaaba when the Prophet (pbuh) was conducting prayers, and the graveyard on the foothills of Mount Uhud where soldiers martyred in the “battle of Uhud” were buried.

The officer said that all these places of interest are covered by the traffic plan providing them with adequate parking spaces.