e-Nabvi (Prophet's Mosque) and added new facilities around the holy places. A large number of pilgrims are being accommodated every year to perform Hajj. According to the latest statistics, the number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land annually has risen from an estimated 100,000 in 1925 to around 12 million today. Of these, the majority come for Umrah through the course of the year, still leaving 3 million who come at the same time for Hajj. Asseri said the Saudi government has been able to create a congenial atmosphere of peace and harmony. "It is committed to the welfare of the society, the provision of jobs and maximum use of manpower. The government is working on the solid lines of fair distribution of national income and opportunities for investment and labour. Efforts are being made to diversify the economic base and reduce dependence on the oil income. Practical steps are being taken to encourage private sectors to function in the development of the nation side by side with the public sector." --more
