Saudi security forces on Wednesday displayed military might at a spectacular military parade held in preparation for the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was named heir to the region’s most powerful throne in June, witnessed the parade of the Haj joint security forces and the bodies involved in Haj affairs.

Arab News quoted Interior Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif as saying that the event "indicates the readiness of the security forces to serve pilgrims, and our ability to protect their security and safety".

The Haj to Makkah, the most revered site in Islam, is a pilgrimage that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetimes if they are able to do so.