Saudi Arabia Announces Start of Umrah Season 1438 H

Jeddah, 17 Dzulhijjah 1437/19 september 2016 (MINA) – Saudi Arabia has announced the start of next year’s Umrah season, 1438 H, as well as planning for next year’s Hajj.

The Saudi Press Agency has quoted the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, as saying that work did not stop at the end of this year’s successful Hajj season.

The annual pilgrimage had won applause and the appreciation of pilgrims from around the world, thanks to the integrated efforts of many agencies.

All pilgrims performed their fifth pillar rituals in peace and security. It was by far a very smooth Haj that concluded with no accidents.

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The sight of 1.8 million pilgrims traveling in unison to the holy sites at specified times, gathering and praying to Allah, was breathtaking.

The last Haj flight will leave the Kingdom on October 15.

According to reports, Umrah visas in 2016 increased by seven percent over their number last year to reach 6.4 million.

This is still below the ministry’s ambitious plan of receiving about eight million Umrah pilgrims. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)