Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of the Makkah Region and President of the Central Hajj Committee, welcomed Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Hajj during a press conference.
He confirmed the success of information campaigns against violators of Hajj rules, emphasizing that volunteers around the holy sites have extensive experience and effectiveness in serving pilgrims.
Prince Khalid said that the Kingdom has not suspended the Hajj over the past two years, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it is a great honor for him to serve pilgrims «at any time and in any place.».
After a field tour to inspect the services provided to pilgrims, Prince Khalid said that no cases of COVID-19 were recorded on the day of Al-Tarwiyah (the Day of Perfusion).
He added that 19 individuals responsible for violating Hajj restrictions by transporting unauthorized persons were arrested, as well as 79 people involved in fraudulent campaigns. He welcomed the new projects that marked the beginning of this Hajj, including 18 hospitals in Mecca and the holy sites with a total capacity of more than 3,700 beds.
Prince Khalid said that 111,000 violators and 68,000 unauthorized vehicles were unable to enter Mecca. In total, about 150,000 security, health, and hospitality workers serve pilgrims during the Hajj, he added.
The governor said that 2,500 violators of residency and border security rules were also arrested in Mecca.
He added that Mecca's water and electricity infrastructure easily copes with the influx of pilgrims.
According to Prince Khalid, about 20 million cubic meters of water will be pumped during the month of Dhul-Hijjah.