Saudi Arabia is welcoming over 2mln pilgrims from 160 countries: minister

Saudi Arabia is welcoming over 2mln pilgrims from 160 countries: minister

JEDDAH — More than two million pilgrims from more than 160 countries around the world will perform Hajj this year, according to Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. The number of flight reservations for those coming to the Kingdom to perform the annual pilgrimage of Hajj accounted for 1.7 million, he said. The minister made the remarks after releasing of a film welcoming the guests of God on the ministry’s official account. He said that the number of health practitioners serving the pilgrims exceeded 32,000. “Within a few days, millions of Muslims from all over the world will chant the great talbiyah. The government and the people of Saudi Arabia take part in facilitating the performance of a hassle-free Hajj by the guests of God,” he said. Al-Rabiah thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for their follow-up of the services provided to the guests of God, so that they can perform rituals of their journey of faith in ease and comfort. Referring to the transportation system at the holy sites, Al-Rabiah said that the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa are linked with an integrated