Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia on August 16, 2018. (REUTERS)
RIYADH, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday at the end of Hajj season a comprehensive project to develop the ritual sites in Mecca, Al Akhbariya local TV reported.
The Mecca Governor Prince Khalid Al Faisal made the announcement during a press conference that declared the conclusion of the current Hajj season.
He said that the details of the project would be announced soon, and his country aimed at increasing the number of pilgrims to 5 million as part of its economic vision of 2030.
Muslim pilgrims pray while others take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, near Mecca, which marks the final major rite of the hajj on August 23, 2018. (AFP photo)
The statistic authority announced this week that the number of pilgrims reached more than 2 million in this Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia confirmed the success of the organization plan for the season that was carried out in cooperation with all concerned sectors and the association of more than 250,000 personnel.
An aerial view taken on August 22, 2018 shows the edifices (structures on L) containing the pillars where Muslim pilgrims partake in the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, near Mecca, which marks the final major rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP photo)
He said that his country doesn't stop citizens from any country from performing the Hajj ritual, revealing that some Qataris managed to come to Saudi Arabia despite the ban imposed on them by their country, and 86,000 Iranians performed Hajj this year.
Saudi Arabia has severed ties with both countries over allegations of supporting terrorism and interfering in the internal affairs of states.
