Half a million Haj pilgrims arrive in Makkah, Madinah

It is an increase of about 7 per cent over their number the same period last year

Last updated: November 05, 2018 | 14:56

1 MIN READ

Islamabad: Nearly half a million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia since July 14 ahead of Haj season which is set to begin in mid-August.

It is an increase of about 7 per cent over their number the same period last year.

The Makkah Development Authority has distributed more than 2 million awareness leaflets in nine languages on how to use the Mashaer Train and how to reach the Jamarat area easily.

The company operating the Haramain Express Train announced that it has stopped the free test runs and will officially launch the commercial service in September.

It said the train will transport pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah and back via Jeddah.

Muslim pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Airport staff help pilgrims going on Haj at Terminal 3 ofDubai International Airport. Pre-checks were done at theimmigration department to facilitate departure.

Saudi security control the traffic of the pilgrims arrival at Arafat for the annual Haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Saudi security prepare for the arrival of the pilgrims at Arafat for the annual Haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Pilgrims walk toward Mount Arafat ahead of the main rituals of Haj.

Haj pilgrims wait to board a plane at Berbera International Airport in Hargeisa,Somaliland. A recent report showed that over 900,000 visitors have arrived in Madinahfor the annual pilgrimage.

Haj pilgrims will be returning throughout the week

Pilgrims receiving Haj-related information in Medina

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