Record-breaking number visit Makkah during first 16 days of Ramazan

Central Hajj Committee says some 14 million worshippers have visited the city so far

A record number of worshippers visited the Holy City of Makkah in the first 16 days of Ramazan this year.

Some 14 million worshippers visited the city, a 40 per cent increase in comparison with the same period last year, according to the Central Haj Committee.

Of the 14 million nearly 5 million are said to be foreigners.

Read: 8 million visit Makkah during first 10 days of Ramazan

During the first ten days of Ramazan, some eight million worshippers visited the Holy Kaabah in Makkah, according to the Hajj and Umrah Public Administration in the governorate of Makkah region. The numbers were an increase of 49% from last year.

Secretary of the Central Hajj Committee, Salah Saqr, said more than 650,000 vehicles are being used to transport pilgrims so far. “The plan for this Ramazan involves transporting 25 million people in 30 days,” he said.

Read:Umrah season: Emir of Makkah deputes 1,600 buses

Further, the General Presidency of the Affairs of the two Holy Mosques has upgraded facilities in the Grand Mosque. Six new plasma screens have been installed inside the mosque and its courtyards for broadcasting prayers and announcements in multiple languages. Provisions have also been made for a sufficient supply of electronic wheel chairs and carts for visitors with special needs.

The holy month of Ramazan began in Saudi Arabia on June 18 and in Pakistan on June 19.

Read: Saudi opens first privatised airport for pilgrims

More than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world are marking the month, during which believers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn until sunset.

The article originally appeared on IBTIMES