Minister of Hajj speaks on Hajj preparations

The Minister of Hajj Dr. Fouad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy emphasized that Pilgrim Guide Foundations have completed their preparations and arrangements to provide the best services and comprehensive care for pilgrims during this year's Hajj season to enable them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam easily and comfortably within the framework of care and follow-up of the government under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince.

In a press statement following his visit here today to a number of Pilgrim Guide Foundations, Dr Al-Farsy said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the great interest of the leadership gives utmost care to Hajj matters, commending in this regard the great and continual attention and unremitting support provided for all works of bodies concerning with Hajj and pilgrims affairs by Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior, Chairman of Hajj Supreme Committee and Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah region, Chairman of Hajj Central Committee.

He noted that the Ministry of Hajj has made great strides towards the use of modern and sophisticated techniques in all its works and performance.

The Minister of Hajj pointed out that Umrah (minor Hajj) season this year has been successful, noting that more than 3 million visas have been granted for Umrah this year, more than 2,800,000 Umrah performers have so far left, and about 200,000 remain in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.