Saudi Arabia yesterday held an extravagant military parade before the annual Haj pilgrimage.

The annual parade showcased the kingdom’s military might of elite forces and their assets, participating in formation marches, as well as helicopters hovering above, at Arafat, Mecca.

Eid al Adha, or Hari Raya Haji, falls on Aug 22.

The soldiers also took part in spectacular simulated anti-terrorism tactical exercises that included taking down terrorists during a high-speed car chase, as well as a raid on a mock-up three-storey building, which ended with an explosion.

The security and stability during the Haj season is one of the country’s greatest concerns as millions of Muslims converge in the Holy City for the annual pilgrimage.

According to the Centre for the Government Communication’s website, 1,392,739 pilgrims have arrived by air, land and sea, as of Sunday, to perform the Haj.