More Than 1.8 Million Pilgrims Perform Hajj This Year

• More than 1.8 million pilgrims have performed Hajj so far.
• This includes 1.6 milllion pilgirms from abroad.
• The number if expected to cross two million people.

MAKKAH: More than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around the holy city of Makkah for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that this year’s Hajj attracted 1,845,045 worshippers from 150 countries. This includes 1.6 million pilgrims from aboard an 184,130 pilgrims domestically.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the ministry’s camp at Arafat, said that the transportation of pilgrims from Mina had been a success and all had arrived at Arafat.

He expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for helping to provide the best possible services to visitors, and the efforts of more than 40 government entities and other private sector companies.

“These efforts have facilitated the pilgrims’ movement in peace, tranquility and good health,” he said, adding that the ministry had started its preparation for Hajj at the conclusion of last year’s event.

He added: “We have set up a task management center and its main job is to coordinate with all the participating agencies. That is why the pilgrims’ transportation process went smoothly and easily.

“We have also expanded the use of smart cards that help pilgrims to know which services are provided to them. It also assists them in reaching their camps and finding locations.”

He said that technology was proving to be an invaluable tool for pilgrims during Hajj. He said the advancement in technology helps provide better services, and also enriches the experience of pilgrims.

The number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. Authorities say they expect this year to approach pre-COVID levels of more than two million.