570,480 pilgrims arrive as preparations for Haj gather momentum

Makkah – Dhul Qaada 22, 1428/ December 02, 2007 – The flow of Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from all over the world gathered momentum as the authorities are making all out efforts to offer the pilgrims the best possible services to enable them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. As many as 570,480 pilgrims from abroad arrived until Friday evening, according to Major General Salem Al-Belaiheed, director general of Passports Directorate. Of these pilgrims, 557, 858 came by air, 7,438 by land and 5,184 by sea, he said. They included the first batch of Iraqi pilgrims, who arrived at the Haj Terminal of King Abdul Aziz Airport, Jeddah. The Iraqi pilgrims, coming by land, left Baghdad yesterday for the Holy Land.

The first batch of pilgrims from Iran also arrived in Jeddah yesterday. Some 100,000 pilgrims from Iran will arrive to perform Haj this year. So far, 60,000 pilgrims from Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, arrived in the holy cities. About 200,000 Indonesians will perform Haj this year. The number of pilgrims arrived from Pakistan reached 25,000 while over 50,000 pilgrims from India came over to Makkah and Madinah.

Meanwhile, Jeddah Islamic seaport has completed all preparations for Haj to make available of the best services for pilgrims who are coming through Seaport. As many as 412 -manpower are tasked with duties to implement Seaport Hajj program including sea guiders, supervisors, fire fighters, maintenance technicians, physicians , nurses, cleaning workers and others, said Director General of the Seaport Sahir Mussa Altahlawi. The Islamic seaport is keen to provide all necessary means of comfort and care for pilgrims ever since their arrival up to their departure after performing Hajj, he added.

KA/ZA/IINA