More than 80 British pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Arriving from Manchester city, they were the first pilgrims to travel to the Kingdom from Britain for this year’s rituals. British Consul-General in Jeddah Seif Usher told Asharq Al-Awsat that more than 25,000 British pilgrims are expected this year. He hailed the strength of Saudi-British ties and the warm reception the pilgrims received upon their arrival. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is assuming its duties in welcoming the pilgrims very diligently, he noted. The British consulate in Jeddah is prepared to offer the necessary services to British pilgrims, he added, saying a 24-hour hotline had been dedicated for them.