Saudi military forces parade ahead of Hajj - in pictures

  • Members of Saudi Arabia's security forces take part in a military parade in Makkah, as pilgrims from around the world arrive for Hajj. All photos: SPA
    Members of Saudi Arabia's security forces take part in a military parade in Makkah, as pilgrims from around the world arrive for Hajj. All photos: SPA
  • The show of military strength took place as Muslim pilgrims are converging on the holy city of Makkah for the largest Hajj since the Covid pandemic curtailed access
    The show of military strength took place as Muslim pilgrims are converging on the holy city of Makkah for the largest Hajj since the Covid pandemic curtailed access
  • Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam
    Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam
  • Talal Al Shalhoub, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, highlighted the forces' preparedness to meet the expectations of the Saudi leadership
    Talal Al Shalhoub, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, highlighted the forces' preparedness to meet the expectations of the Saudi leadership
  • Each year, millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converge on Makkah to perform a series of deeply spiritual rituals
    Each year, millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converge on Makkah to perform a series of deeply spiritual rituals
  • Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, emphasised the critical role of pilgrims' co-operation and adherence to regulations
    Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, emphasised the critical role of pilgrims' co-operation and adherence to regulations
  • Saudi authorities have bolstered security procedures after a fatal stampede near the Jamarat area in 2015
    Saudi authorities have bolstered security procedures after a fatal stampede near the Jamarat area in 2015
  • This year's security plan for Hajj has been boosted by advanced technology and artificial intelligence
    This year's security plan for Hajj has been boosted by advanced technology and artificial intelligence
  • The ceremony, which was held in Makkah, was attended by a number of senior government officials and commanders of the security forces
    The ceremony, which was held in Makkah, was attended by a number of senior government officials and commanders of the security forces
  • The parade demonstrated the readiness of the security sector participating in this year’s Hajj
    The parade demonstrated the readiness of the security sector participating in this year’s Hajj
  • A number of military displays and drills were presented to dignitaries
    A number of military displays and drills were presented to dignitaries
  • Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, presided over the parade
    Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, presided over the parade
  • The Minister of Interior witnessed security drills by the Special Emergency Forces concerned with confronting terrorism and armed violence
    The Minister of Interior witnessed security drills by the Special Emergency Forces concerned with confronting terrorism and armed violence
  • The Saudi Interior Minister reaffirmed the readiness of the Hajj security forces to carry out their tasks in preserving the security and safety of pilgrims
    The Saudi Interior Minister reaffirmed the readiness of the Hajj security forces to carry out their tasks in preserving the security and safety of pilgrims
  • Saudi Arabia is working to expand the use of AI and modern technology to ensure an increase in the quality of services for Hajj pilgrims
    Saudi Arabia is working to expand the use of AI and modern technology to ensure an increase in the quality of services for Hajj pilgrims