Mecca governor: World recognizes our ability to make Hajj a gratifying journey

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Mecca, said that “the world recognizes that Saudi Arabia has the administrative, political and material capabilities to make the Hajj journey of faith a gratifying journey”.

The governor’s comment came during a press conference he held in Mecca on the eve of Arafat, when at least two million pilgrims will travel from the grounds of Mina towards Mount Arafat and spend the day in prayers.

He stressed that Mecca’s security personnel are keen on the pilgrims and their comfort, and addressed them saying, “You have raised our heads in front of the world, when they saw a security man take off his shoes and give them to a woman and another instance where one gave water to a thirsty pilgrim. These things do not happen with the security forces in the present world”.

Al-Faisal also spoke on the growing use of technology in providing qualitative services for the pilgrims and that it marked the most significant shift in the way the city serves during the pilgrimage season.

Muslim pilgrims from Somalia rest while they climb the Mount Al-Noor, where Prophet Mohammad received the first words of the Quran through Gabriel in the Hera cave. (Reuters)

“You will remember years later that what I said that Mecca becoming one of the smartest cities in the world,” he told reporters.

This year, the Saudis have launched a “smart hajj” initiative, with apps to help pilgrims with everything from travel plans to medical care.

The interior ministry said on Saturday that the number of pilgrims arriving in Mecca had already surpassed the two million mark, mostly from abroad including large contingents from Egypt, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Most of the pilgrims began moving on Sunday from Mecca to the nearby Mina valley where they will spend the night in fire-resistant tents.

(With AFP)