The first batch of pilgrims have arrived in the UAE after performing Haj. They arrived to a warm welcome at the Sharjah International Airport on Saturday morning on flights from Jeddah, Madina and Taif in Saudi Arabia. Airport employees distributed gifts to pilgrims and their families in the arrivals lounge.

The airport said it expected a continuous flow of pilgrims from both scheduled and non-scheduled flights to Sharjah.

"The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has taken all possible measures to facilitate the pilgrims' arrival. These include coordinating with all airlines and airport operators to expedite arrival procedures; facilitating travel procedures for transit pilgrims; and making the pilgrims as comfortable as possible," the SAA said in a statement.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of the SAA, congratulated the pilgrims on their safe return and said: "The Sharjah airport has taken every possible measure to ensure that the pilgrims are comfortable by expediting procedures and maintaining the highest level of services and facilities, especially with the elderly."

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES