Over 1.5 million Hajj pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia this year

RIYADH: The number of pilgrims coming from all over the world for the spiritual gathering of Hajj in Saudi Arabia is continuously increasing.

According to the latest data, the number of pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj has reached 1.518 million, for whom facilities and security arrangements are being made more effective.

During a press conference, the commanders of the Hajj security forces in Mecca said that millions of pilgrims from different countries have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, and modern technology and digital systems are being used to facilitate the large number of pilgrims.

He further said that about 30 percent of the pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia through the Mecca Route Initiative, which aims to make immigration and travel processes easier and faster.

On the other hand, on the first Friday of Dhul-Hijjah, millions of pilgrims offered Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque. A spiritual atmosphere was observed on this occasion, and a large number of worshipers arranged special prayers.

According to reports, Imam Kaaba Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, in his sermon, highlighted the virtues of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah and the importance of worship.

Saudi officials say that comprehensive arrangements have been made for the safety, accommodation, transportation, and other facilities of the pilgrims so that the Hajj can be performed with ease and satisfaction.