"Two-hundred and twenty eight were from Makkah, 93 from Mina, 10 from Jeddah and 33 from Madinah.

"They were taken by a fleets composed of specially equipped ambulances accompanied by experienced health care professionals," said Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Al-Mirghalani. "It is a tradition that has been practiced by the ministry for many years. It goes in line with the teachings of our religion. It does not pose any harm or threat to the condition of the patient. They were carefully assessed before they are taken to Arafat."

"They spent a lot of resources to come to the holy lands with the hope of fulfilling their life-long dream, and for some reason or other they fell sick. So it is our duty to help them achieve that dream as long as their conditions allow it without any risk. All these patients appreciated very much our assistance," he added.