Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah region, announced on Friday the “exceptional” success of this year’s Hajj, saying it was supported by an integrated system of security, organization and services that enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and reassurance.
He said the success was achieved first by God’s grace, then through the unlimited support and directives of the Saudi leadership, which provided the necessary capabilities and resources, as well as close follow-up of all stages of preparation, work and implementation.
Prince Saud bin Mishaal said the Hajj reflected the image of a country working with sincerity and dedication to serve the guests of God.
The holy sites were marked by organization and harmony, in a scene that embodied the combined efforts of the various participating bodies, he added.
This year’s Hajj affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ability to manage crowds efficiently and capably, he declared, saying pilgrims performed their rituals in an atmosphere of security, reassurance and care befitting the honor of the place and its sanctity.
Prince Saud bin Mishaal said the achievements made during Hajj were the result of the leadership’s approach, which has made serving pilgrims both an honor and a priority.
Support was present and work continued with a spirit of responsibility and dedication, he stressed, adding that the success of the season was not the end of the work, but the start of new responsibilities and a pledge renewed each year to preserve Saudi Arabia’s status as a beacon of security and generosity and a destination for serving Islam and Muslims.
At the end of his announcement, the deputy governor prayed to God to preserve Saudi Arabia’s security and stability, protect its leadership and bless the efforts of all those who contributed to the success.
Meanwhile, pilgrims in a hurry to leave Mina departed the holy sites after completing the stoning of the devil on the second day of Tashreeq, the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. They then performed the farewell tawaf of the holy Kaaba in Makkah with humble hearts and prayers, concluding their Hajj.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims headed to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque. Others departed the Kingdom, while those who wished to stay overnight continued to complete the stoning on the third day of Tashreeq.
The Grand Mosque witnessed heavy movement around the Kaaba, amid a high level of readiness by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, in cooperation with relevant bodies, as part of an integrated operational plan for this year’s Hajj.
The concerned authorities mobilized all their capabilities to facilitate the movement of pilgrims leaving early and ensure smooth movement inside the Grand Mosque, enabling them to perform their rites with ease.
In a related development, the Authority completed preparations to receive pilgrims arriving to visit the Prophet’s Mosque after performing Hajj. The operational plan focused on preparing the Prophet’s Mosque and all its facilities to receive visitors and worshippers in a safe and well-equipped environment.
