Faisal announced that the number of pilgrims coming from abroad this year reached 1,613,000, the number of those who threw Jamarat (stones) were estimated at 2,521,000, out of whom 1,767,000 were regular pilgrims. This means that some 753,000 pilgrims were not holding Hajj permits, he said, adding that with more strictness on entry regulation, the number will dramatically be reduced next year. He paid tribute to the local and foreign media for their coverage of the great event, hoping to see more professionalism and skillfulness in the years ahead. On the situation of swine flu in Hajj areas, the Governor of Makkah Region said about 68 have contracted the disease, out of whom five passed away the swine flu, describing the situation as normal compared with the huge number who assembled in the same place for at least five days. On the state expenditure on Hajj, he said billions of Saudi Riyals were spent every year, citing the Jamarat bridge worth SR4.4 billion, sacred places railway estimated at SR6.7 billion, the experimental residential towers in Mina, the repairs and maintenance of the city of Makkah after Hajj is over, and the flood drainage project in Mina and Arafat which will be completed in the years to come. He said the Ministry of Health has recruited 17,000 personnel, the Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry 22,000 and the Public Security 100,000 to serve the guests of God. --More
