Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The first group of 120 South African pilgrims will arrive at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Saturday, according to South African Consul General Ebrahim Edries. Traditionally South African pilgrims have always been the first to arrive in the Kingdom for Haj. “They are normally among the first to arrive and also the first to depart,” said Edries. “Despite the obvious disappointment over the last-minute withdrawal Haj accreditation for some pilgrims because of a 20 percent reduction in the quota, those left behind understand fully well the reasons behind this decision,” he added. “They remain optimistic that they will be able to perform Haj next year with a bigger contingent of South African pilgrims.” Edries also conveyed his government's deep appreciation for the excellent arrangements made by the Kingdom to receive Allah's guests. “The ongoing expansion under way in the two holy mosques is breathtaking and show the care and love that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman, Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar have to make this important pillar of Islam as accessible to as many Muslims as possible,” he said. All South African pilgrims will travel to the Kingdom on commercial flights. About 90 percent of them will arrive directly in Madinah and then proceed to Makkah. From Dhul Hijja 1, they will move to Aziziyah to prepare for the culmination of the Haj on the plains of Arafat. Edries once again wished all pilgrims good health and strength so that the pilgrims are able to complete their Haj rituals. “May Allah grant all of them the opportunity to perform a rewarding Haj,” he said.
