Saudi Arabia has completed preparations to welcome more worshippers and Umrah pilgrims during the final days of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Undersecretary-General for Tafweej and Crowds Management, Osama bin Mansour Al-Hujaili said the preparations and services offered at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah are complete.
He urged the worshippers to abide by the schedule provided on the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat told Asharq Al-Awsat that over 30,000 Umrah permits are being issued per day.
Over 500,000 Umrah pilgrims have arrived to the Kingdom from abroad, he revealed, predicting that the figure will top 700,000 by the end of Ramadan.
Around 250,000 Saudis and residents are performing the Umrah each day, he added.
Over 4.2 million people performed the Umrah as of the 20th day of Ramadan.
Mashat said some 700 dedicated companies have been authorized to provide services to the pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has completed the establishment of nine national companies that will provide services to the Hajj pilgrims.
The work of the companies is constantly being monitored through various audit visits to ensure the best performance and services, he stressed.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah revealed that ten companies have been fined for failing to fulfill their duties, while one was suspended for failing to commit to the regulations and to serve the pilgrims.
The Ministry stressed that it will be firm in addressing any shortcomings, vowing to protect the rights of pilgrims and listen to complaints in order to protect them and provide the best services.
