Nearly 4m vehicles use Mecca roads in 10 days of Ramadan

Cairo: More than 3.7 million vehicles used roads leading to the Saudi city of Mecca, home to Islam's holiest mosque, in the first 10 days of the current Islamic month of Ramadan, the kingdom's road authorities have said.

The rise in traffic rates was due to a surge in pilgrims performing the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque during Ramadan, the Roads General Authority added.

The Authority said vehicle traffic was facilitated through an integrated system of services including major improvements to the road network infrastructure and implementing the highest safety and quality standards.

The roads were surveyed and maintained, utilizing the latest technologies to ascertain the safety of road users.

The month of Ramadan, noted for devout worshipping, traditionally marks the peak season for Umrah performers.

The Grand Mosque houses the Holy Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide.

More than 25 million worshippers, including 5.5 million Umrah pilgrims, prayed in the mosque during the first 10 days of Ramadan that began this year on March 1, according to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV.

Millions of Muslims from all over the world flock to Saudi Arabia, Islam's birthplace, to undertake the Umrah and pray in the Grand Mosque in Mecca that is known as the "Holy Capital".

In the run-up to the sacred month, Saudi authorities have mobilized all resources to receive the influx of pilgrims and enable them to perform the rites with ease and comfort.