Ara'ar, Saudi Arabia, July 16, 2019, SPA -- Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan, Governor of the Northern Border Region, received here today the first batch of Iraqis, intending to perform Hajj of this year, as they crossed from Iraq through Ara'ar border post into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival at the venue, the pilgrims expressed thanks to and appreciation of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the hospitality and caring accorded to them, praying that may the Al-Mighty save the Kingdom, its leadership and the people against any mischief. For his part, the governor hailed the attention and keenness shown by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to provide comfortable services for pilgrims, in order that they may fulfil their rituals and, safely, return to their homelands, following the pilgrimage. -- SPA 20:27 LOCAL TIME 17:27 GMT 0027 www.spa.gov.sa/w1139159