Jeddah Islamic Port is gearing up to receive 22,000 pilgrims for this year's Haj season, a 37% increase from last year.
According to the president of the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), Saad bin Abdul Aziz Al-Khalb, 22 trips using four ferries were planned, representing a 29% rise in the number of sea journeys from the previous year.
Jeddah Islamic Port will receive pilgrims until 6 August and more than 266 personnel will be involved in overseeing this year’s Haj season.
These workers include maritime pilots, ship captains, technical and operational supervisors, security teams, staff responsible for operations at the station and technical affairs managers.
The country also welcomed the first group of Sudanese Haj pilgrims by sea over the weekend.