The Saudi Supreme Council has announced sighting of the moon crescent on Thursday, ushering in the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah.
By implication, according to the Saudi Authority, Hajj rites will begin on Friday, August 9 while Eid Al-Adha will start on Sunday, August 11.
Pilgrims are expected to spend the day on the plains of Mount Arafat on Saturday August 10.
According to statistics issued by the Saudi General Directorate of Passports, as of Wednesday, 1,249,951 Hajj pilgrims had arrived in the Kingdom for the pilgrimage.
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“Many pilgrims from from Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Tunisia have been arriving in Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah Route initiative.
“Launched last year with Malaysia and Indonesia as the first to try, the “Makkah Route” initiative includes processing of requirements for Hajj pilgrims such as issuance of visas, ensuring compliance with health requirements, and codifying and sorting luggage at airports in the pilgrims’ own countries.
“Pilgrims who get cleared through the program can bypass the procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia and head directly to buses waiting to transport them to accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, thus easing congestion at airports.
“Service authorities deliver pilgrims’ luggage to their accommodation in the holy cities,” the agency disclosed.
