The first batch of pilgrims performing the Hajj, consisting of 290 people, arrived in Mecca from Turkey on Sunday.
Mete Zaimoglu, Turkey's Consul General in Jeddah, praised the level of services offered by Saudi Arabia to arriving pilgrims, according to a report by the state news agency SPA.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced yesterday that registration for local pilgrims for this year's Hajj pilgrimage is closed. Registration opened on June 3 through the «Eatmarna» application and the ministry's official website.
In its statement, the ministry added that the names will be announced later after the draw. This year, more than 390,000 applicants from Saudi Arabia applied for the Hajj.
Hesham Saeed, a ministry spokesman, said that candidates will be selected through an electronic lottery, and priority will be given to those who have not previously performed the Hajj.
Those selected will receive confirmation via a text message to their registered phone numbers.