MAKKAH – Minister of Haj and Umrah Muhammad Saleh Bantan made on Wednesday an inspection tour of the headquarters of the Haj Tawafa Establishment for the Iranian pilgrims.

During the meeting with Talal Qutb, president of the board of Establishment and its members, the minister discussed the Establishment’s Haj operation plan and the arrangements for the upcoming Haj season.

Their discussion covered almost all aspects of the Haj operation, including reception of pilgrims and their grouping, as well as accommodation, transportation, food, awareness programs, and other services and facilities since their arrival until departure.

The minister underlined the need for improving the services and facilities so as to enable pilgrims perform their rituals in ease and comfort, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A total of 83,828 Iranians will perform Haj this year.

Qutb said that electronic visas are being issued for the pilgrims. He said that the arrangements for the pilgrims from Iran started immediately after the end of the last Haj season. “The arrangements for the Iranian pilgrims were not different from that of pilgrims from other parts of the world,” he said, adding that all the preparations are well in place to enable the Iranian pilgrims perform their rituals in peace and tranquility.

Bantan also toured the facilities of the United Zamzams Office and the arrangements for distribution of Zamzam water among pilgrims.