The Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, praised the efforts of the security and military authorities participating in Hajj (pilgrimage) this year.

The Minister of Interior stated during a meeting with the members of the Hajj Security Committee and the leaders of the Hajj security forces in Makkah on Tuesday that the efforts of the security authorities in the Ministry of Interior and the military authorities in the Ministry of National Guard, the Ministry of Defense, the General Intelligence Presidency, and the Presidency of State Security, have contributed in implementing the security plans successfully.

Pilgrims began on Tuesday morning flocking to Arafat holy site in peace and tranquility, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

They were accompanied by a direct security follow-up carried out by the personnel of the various security sectors to organize the movement, and guide pilgrims and ensure their safety.

Various government sectors taking part in the Hajj season have provided all medical, emergency and catering services for pilgrims.

The cameras of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) documented various scenes of pilgrims flocking from Mina to Arafat.

For its part, the General Authority for Roads has said that it uses drones to inspect and assess the state of roads at the holy sites, as well as the condition of ferries and bridges, thus acquiring fast and accurate information.

Besides using drones to automate survey missions, raise quality and empower decision-making institutions and individuals, the authority is making use of various other advanced technologies and of 18 hi-tech survey and evaluation pieces of equipment.