Saudi Arabia set to receive 2.5 million pilgrims

Saudi Arabia is set to receive an estimated 2.5 million pilgrims from all over the world for this Haj season, Malaysian news agency (BERNAMA) reported.

Top priority has been given to safety and security for the pilgrims with the Mecca police deploying more than 16,000 policemen and officers here and other holy ritual site areas of Arafah, Mina and Muzdalifah.

Mecca Police Administrative Control Department Director Brig Muhammad Saeed Al-Harithi was quoted by "Saudi Gazette" newspaper as saying that traffic police would focus on intensifying traffic and security patrols in Mecca's main square surrounding Masjid Al Haram (Grand Mosque).

The paper also reported that the Haj Ministry had assigned 5,000 of its personnel in addition to the 45,000 workers employed for work in the pilgrim service areas, including arrival and departure places.

The Central Haj Committee chaired by the Emir of Mecca Prince Abdul Majeed Abdul Aziz met Monday in Jeddah to finalize the Haj plans for Civil Defense Police, Public Works, Housing and pilgrimage.