Saudi Arabia announced Sunday, August 11 as the first day of Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the Hajj rituals.
The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed Thursday that the crescent moon of Dhu Al-Hijjah has been sighted and the Eid will be on August 11.
Also Thursday, Al-Haramain Express train launched the first voyage with more than 170 pilgrims from different nationalities heading from Madinah to Al-Rusaifa station in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A number of pilgrims expressed thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the good reception and services provided for the comfort of pilgrims, it said.
The number of pilgrims who have so far arrived in the Kingdom to perform Hajj rituals from abroad through air, land and sea ports, stood at 1,336,426 pilgrims, according to data released by the General Directorate of Passports on Thursday.
The Directorate said that the number of pilgrims arriving by air stood at 1,245,303 pilgrims, by land 76,199 pilgrims and by the sea 14,924 pilgrims.
