Saudi Interior Minister Prince Ahmed, who is chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, said 1,752,932 foreign pilgrims, including 801,126 women (46 per cent), arrived for Hajj this year. He said the number was 4 per cent (77,968) less than that of last year. He said the foreign pilgrims came from 189 countries.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal said nearly three million pilgrims arrived in Mina and the process was completed successfully without any major incidents. “The health condition of pilgrims is satisfactory,” he said. More than 82,000 security officers have been deployed to ensure smooth Hajj operation. Asked about the number of domestic pilgrims, Prince Khaled said: “I cannot give you an exact number because unfortunately a large number of people enter the holy sites without Hajj permits.” All measures were taken for the smooth flow of pilgrims to Arafat in the climax of Hajj, he said.
About 6,250 new Muslims also performed Hajj this year under a charitable programme organised by Saud Al-Rajhi. The programme has arranged 180 preachers and 180 supervisors to enlighten the new Muslims about Hajj and Islam.