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Hajj 1447: Record Numbers Despite Tensions

The Saudi General Directorate of Passports announced that the number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom exceeded 1.5 million pilgrims until last Friday, in preparation for performing the Hajj rituals for this year 1447.

The official spokesperson for the passports, Major General Saleh Al-Murabeh, revealed in a press conference that the total number of pilgrims coming from abroad reached 1,518,153, and it is expected that the number will rise during the next two days with the arrival of more pilgrims before the official start of the rituals on Monday.

Hajj Despite Challenges

What characterizes this year’s Hajj season is that it comes at a time when the Middle East is witnessing tensions. In late February, US and Israeli strikes on Iran caused the closure of the region’s airspace and the disruption of thousands of flights.

However, despite all this, pilgrims flocked from all over the world to Mecca and Medina. Major Gulf airlines — in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain — quickly restored their normal flights after weeks of airspace closure.

Close to Last Year’s Numbers

The current numbers are approaching last year’s numbers, where the total number of pilgrims in 1446 was 1,673,320, of which 1,506,576 were from outside the Kingdom. Predictions indicate that the final number this season may exceed last year’s numbers.

Preparations in Full Swing

The Saudi government agencies have already begun implementing their operational plans for the Hajj season, which include:

  • Intensifying domestic flights to transport pilgrims between Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina
  • Operating the high-speed train between Mecca and Medina at full capacity
  • Preparing field hospitals and emergency teams in the holy sites
  • Intensifying health monitoring of food and water

Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and every able Muslim must perform it at least once in their lifetime. The rituals start on Monday and continue until Friday, and include standing in Arafah, throwing stones at the Jamarat, and circling the Kaaba.

Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) — spa.gov.sa, France 24