They were received by Brig. Saud bin Ali Al-Aou, assistant commander of Haj immigration, Col. Muhammad Al-Wadaie, director of immigration at Jeddah Islamic Port, and a number of government officials.

The number of sea pilgrims has dropped sharply since the sinking of the Egyptian ship Al-Salam in 2006 causing the death of 1,033 people on board. Officials point out that the improved economic conditions has also helped cut down the number of sea pilgrims. Last year, 24,716 pilgrims arrived by sea.

It was the third Caliph Othman bin Affan (may God be pleased with him) who ordered that Jeddah port be made a major entry point for pilgrims.