The Makkah Clock Tower overlooks the Grand Mosque, Saturday night. Millions of worshippers have descended on the Holy City to pray in the Grand Mosque. According to estimates, the number of Umrah performers this year recorded an increase of five to 10 percent from the previous year. Last year, nearly 5.2 million Umrah visas were issued. Until July 1 this year, about 3.8 million Umrah pilgrims had entered the Kingdom, which is an increase of 400,000 compared to the same period last year, Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar was quoted as saying. — SG/Reuters
