Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — As of Friday, Dhul Hijjah 5, corresponding to June 23, a total of 1,626,500 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, according to a statement of the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). These pilgrims arrived through the air, land and sea ports in the Kingdom.

The Jawazat stated that the overwhelming majority of foreign pilgrims came through airports and their number reached 1,559,053. These included 240,137 pilgrims who benefitted from the Makkah Road initiative, while the number of pilgrims arrived through land ports reached 60,617 pilgrims. The number of arrivals through sea ports was the lowest with a total number of 6830 pilgrims.

The directorate affirmed that it has mobilized all its capabilities to facilitate entry procedures for the guests of God, by supporting its platforms at the international air, land and sea ports with the latest technical devices. The directorate’s qualified employees, who have proficiency in various languages, are engaged in serving pilgrims at the entry points.

Meanwhile, Commander of Forces for Umrah at Jawazat Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba announced the completion of the directorate’s plan for the arrival phase of pilgrims. He emphasized that the directorate will extend support and assistance to all parties and agencies participating in the Hajj operation at the holy sites.