Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif emphasized that this year's Hajj season did not witness anything that would disrupt the Hajj or affect the safety and security of pilgrims. "No epidemic or quarantine cases have also been recorded. Preventive efforts and health services provided to pilgrims have resulted in bringing down the rates of illness, heat exhaustion, and deaths," he said.

The minister made the remarks in cables of congratulations sent to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and the success of this year's Hajj season.

Prince Abdulaziz extended the greetings on behalf of himself and on behalf of emirs of the regions, members of the Supreme Hajj Committee, security forces, and all members of the governmental and private agencies participating in this year's Hajj.

Addressing the King and the Crown Prince, the minister reaffirmed that the success of this year's Hajj season was achieved by the grace of God and then by your generous attention and guidance, saying that this was the cornerstone in enabling all parties involved in the Hajj mission to implement all plans encompassing security, preventive, organizational, health, service, and traffic sectors, with full competence and efficiency. This is in view of providing with the highest standards of care and services to the total number of pilgrims this year, which reached 1,673,230.

The minister highlighted that security personnel and all members of the governmental and civil agencies involved in serving the guests of God performed their duties with competence and professionalism, resulting in the success of all plans put in place.

Prince Abdulaziz prayed to God to protect the King and the Crown Prince, as well as to perpetuate their glory, and make them a source of strength for Islam and Muslims. He also prayed to God to bestow upon Saudi Arabia the blessings of security, stability, and prosperity under the wise leadership of the King and the Crown Prince.