A primary purpose of the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques was to meet the needs of the ever-increasing numbers of pilgrims. Below are the figures for the numbers of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom from abroad between 1970 and 2000, showing their mode of travel.

The total number of pilgrims performing Hajj in 2000 was 1,733,785 (Ministry of Hajj Information Committee, March 2000). This figure includes pilgrims from inside as well as those from outside the Kingdom.

In 2001, there were 1,363,992 pilgrims from abroad performing Hajj, bringing the total number of pilgrims for 2001 to 1,804,800.

Each year, the Kingdom harnesses all its resources to facilitate the pilgrimage to the Holy Places. Minutes of the weekly council meetings, chaired by King Fahd or his deputy, show a preoccupation with the Hajj and a determination to spare no effort or expense in making the Hajj as safe and secure as possible.

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