Khodairi, who is the chairman of the executive and preparatory Haj committees, said all ministries concerned and private sector establishments involved in the pilgrimage have geared up to provide consummate services and facilities that would enable the guests of God to perform the fifth pillar of Islam in ease and comfort.

The “Haj: Worship and Civilized Conduct” campaign was launched three years ago by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal in a bid to cut down the number of illegal pilgrims. Under the campaign, local pilgrims including Saudis will have to obtain special Haj permits in order to be allowed to proceed to Makkah.

Al-Khodairi said public and private establishments involved in Haj services have gained enough experience over the years, especially in the management of huge crowds. “Haj is a unique event which has no comparison in the world. More than 3 million people assemble in a small area at the same time to perform the Haj rites,” he said.

He said the government and private Haj service establishments constantly endeavor to improve their performance year after year by avoiding the mistakes of previous years.

Al-Khodairi said a special security unit was established to prevent pilgrims without permits from entering Makkah and added that 400 security personnel would be watching around the clock all branch roads leading to Makkah and the holy sites.

The chairman said traffic police will not allow vehicles with less than 25-passenger capacity from entering Makkah and added that many checkpoints were established for the purpose.

He also said traffic police will not allow any vehicle to enter the central area around the Grand Mosque half an hour before and after each prayer.

Al-Khodairi said the Civil Defense would deploy 22,000 officers and soldiers using more than 5,900 pieces of equipment and 19 helicopters to deal instantly with any possible hazards including fires.

He asked local pilgrims to browse the Internet for names of Haj campaigns to join and revealed that the Haj Ministry will implement a low-cost Haj in partnership with 21 companies and establishments with prices ranging between SR1,900 and SR3,900.

Al-Khodairi said the Mashair train will transport about 500,000 pilgrims and added that tickets will be available from Tuesday.

He said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawa and Guidance would employ more than 2,000 preachers and interpreters to guide pilgrims on the correct path to perform the rites. He added that the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) will deploy 700 of its staff to do the same work.

Al-Khodairi said the Ministry of Health has completed all arrangements to serve pilgrims. He said more than 120,000 doctors, nurses and technicians from all parts of the Kingdom will be implementing the ministry’s plan. According to him, the Saudi Red Crescent has provided five air rescue planes manned with 150 doctors, nurses, technicians and administrations to carry out rescue operations in Makkah and the holy sites. He said the Ministry of Education would provide more than 3,000 boy scouts to guide stray pilgrims.

Al-Khodairi said Saudi Arabian Airlines would operate 1,244 Haj flights to transport 356,556 pilgrims from abroad and 94 domestic flights for 27,122 local pilgrims.