Saudi Arabia prepares to receive two million pilgrims during the Hajj season for 1444 AH, according to Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. Dr. Al-Rabiah disclosed the number during an official visit to Algeria, where he said Algeria would be given 41,300 spots for Algerian pilgrims. Saudi Arabia announced that it would welcome pilgrims to preform Hajj this year with the same numbers before the COVID pandemic. The minister of Hajj and Umrah stressed the keenness of the Ministry and all agencies related to the Hajj and Umrah system to provide the best health and logistical services to all pilgrims, in a way that guarantees saving time and effort. He also referred to the variety of services being provided by the "Nusuk platform" in a way that contributes to enriching their experience while they are in Saudi Arabia, especially after extending the Umrah visa period from 30 to 90 days, allowing Umrah to be performed for all types of visas, and reducing the cost of comprehensive insurance. Dr. Al-Rabiah held several official meetings Monday with a number of officials in Algeria. The minister of Hajj and Umrah pointed out that the visit comes as a part of the existing strategic meetings between government agencies in the two countries to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve the common interests. Dr. Al-Rabiah stressed that the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman and the Crown Prince works on facilitating all procedures and developing legislation that enables the largest number of Muslims around the world to visit the Holy Sites and perform Umrah, in light of the Kingdom's commitment to serving the guests. In a joint press conference with Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Youssef Belmahdi, Al-Rabiah touched on the development projects and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia to provide quality services in the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites. The Holy Sites are considered the largest in the world and is being developed at a cost of more than SR200 billion, including Haramain Express Train, which connects Makkah and Madinah in a two-hour journey. — SG
