Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Makkah witnessed over 14 million worshippers and pilgrims visit the city during the first 16 days of Ramadan, a staggering 40 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, said a report.

In a meeting of the Central Haj Committee, chaired by Makkah Governer Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the recent figures were revealed along with plans for the last 10 days of Ramadan, expecting to welcome a total of 25 million people over the 30-day fasting period, said a report in Arab News.

Around five million foreign pilgrims had arrived to perform Umrah, with over 3.7 million travelling though Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport, the report quoted a top official as saying.

Also discussed at the meeting was a new smart phone application to help pilgrims perform their rituals, the report said.