“Tawafa establishments and their related agencies, such as the United Cars Syndicate, the Guides Establishment in Madinah and the Zamzam Office, are fully equipped to offer the best services to pilgrims coming from around the world,” Chairman of the Coordination Council of Tawafa Establishments Faiq bin Muhammad Bayari said in a statement.

The first flight carrying Haj pilgrims is expected to land at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday. Pilgrims will also fly to Madinah’s Prince Muhammad Airport.

The Tawafa establishments receive foreign Haj pilgrims upon their arrival in the Kingdom and provide them with transport and accommodation in the holy cities. These establishments are responsible for taking care of the pilgrims until they return home.

There are separate Tawafa establishments to take care of pilgrims from Arab countries, Non-Arab African countries, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Iran and Western countries including Turkey.

Bayari said Haj Minister Fouad Al-Farsy approved all the operation plans of the establishments, such as the recruitment of workers, details of services and use of advanced technology to ensure speedy and error-free services for pilgrims.

The Haj Ministry had held many meetings with Haj missions of various countries to discuss issues faced by foreign pilgrims and ways to solve them.

Haj missions have also been asked to beef up awareness campaigns about Haj and Saudi regulations for pilgrims coming from abroad. The ministry has also been supervising the establishments’ preparations.

Saudi Arabia hosts about 2.5 million Haj pilgrims annually and the number is expected to jump in coming years.