Saudi Arabia: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday praised the successful management of this year's Hajj pilgrimage at a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, as reported by the SPA news agency. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Saudi princes, senior officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council states, and military commanders involved in this year's operations.
According to Anadolu Agency, the crown prince attributed the continued success of serving pilgrims to the diligent efforts of the state in managing the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites, and their visitors. He emphasized the commitment to providing comfort and convenience to all pilgrims, underscoring the nation's dedication to this cause.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, reported that 213,323 military and security personnel were involved in this year's Hajj operations. Additionally, Interior Ministry spokesperson Col. Talal bin Al-Shalhoub highlighted the importance of crowd management and the integration of various agencies, which played a vital role in ensuring a smooth operation. The 'No Hajj Without a Permit' campaign was particularly significant in preventing unauthorized access and managing the crowd effectively.
The Hajj season, which began on Wednesday, will conclude on Monday, marking the end of the six-day religious observance. The Saudi General Authority for Statistics reported that the number of Hajj pilgrims this year reached 1.673 million, with 1.506 million pilgrims arriving from outside the kingdom.
The Hajj pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, a mandatory act for all Muslims who are financially and physically able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The rituals are designed to embody fundamental Islamic concepts and commemorate the trials faced by Prophet Abraham and his family.