Dramatic rise in Umrah arrivals
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The number of Umrah pilgrims who arrived in the Kingdom during the past three months reached more than 1.6 million, Haj Minister Dr Bandar Hajjar was quoted in Arab News. 
He said all government departments are working together to provide the necessary services to pilgrims. “We expect an increase of 500,000 pilgrims during this Umrah season compared to last year,” he added. He said the number of Umrah pilgrims increases by 10-20% every year.
Egypt, Pakistan and Algeria were expected to send highest number of pilgrims, according to figures given by Saudi missions abroad. The minister said the expansion of mataf (the circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) would not affect pilgrims as Saudi authorities have made arrangements to ensure their convenience.
