MAKKAH: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has praised ministry staff on the security and organizational measures put in place for the current Umrah season.

And he highlighted the effective role played by women in the security operation which would contribute toward helping Umrah pilgrims perform their rituals in a relaxed and safe environment.

Welcoming senior officials and heads of the security departments in Makkah, the prince noted that the number of Umrah performers and visitors this year had surpassed that of previous years.