1.3 million arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Friday, 2 August 2019 09:49

More than 1.3 million Hajj pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) says 1,245,303 arrived by air, 76,199 by land and 14,924 pilgrims by sea.

Authorities in the Kingdom declared Friday as the first day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

It is the designated month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims are expected to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

This is a pillar of Islamic faith that all physically and financially able Muslims are required to perform at least once in their lifetime.

More from International

US, Iran sign interim ceasefire agreement

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed an interim agreement aimed at ending the war on Wednesday.
Ukraine hits Moscow refinery as Zelenskyy seeks Trump's support for peace deal

Ukrainian drones hit Moscow's oil refinery for the second time this week while Russia fired missiles into Kyiv, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sought support from the U.S. and Europe to reach a peace deal.
Trump threatens to resume bombing ahead of Iran peace deal signing

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his interim agreement with Iran, saying it had averted a global economic catastrophe, while warning he could launch fresh attacks if Tehran failed to honour its commitments.
UN warns Israeli settlers could join blacklist for violations against children

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned on Wednesday that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children as he voiced alarm at a "staggering" rise in violations against Palestinian children.
Qantas picks London for first record-breaking non-stop flights

Qantas Airways on Wednesday announced London as the first destination for the world's longest direct commercial flight, a roughly 20-hour trip from Sydney eliminating the traditional stopover on the 'Kangaroo Route'.