(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - More than 173,000 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia by the end of Friday to perform Hajj, Saudi News Agency reported Sunday.

More than 109,000 pilgrims arrived by air, while 54,000 by sea and 10,000 by land, the news agency quoted Director General of Passports Department Salem bin Mohammed Al-Bilaihid as saying.

Hajj Minister Bandar bin Mohammad Al-Hajar revealed last week that Saudi Arabia is expecting 1.8 million pilgrims from abroad this season.

"We have well studied our plans which would be implemented within organized schedule (to deal with Hajj season)," the minister said.

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