As the Hajj season 1447 reaches its peak, Saudi authorities have announced that more than 1.5 million pilgrims from outside the kingdom have arrived so far—surpassing last year’s number of international pilgrims despite the turbulent geopolitical situation in the region.

Lieutenant General Saleh Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj Passport Forces, said in a press conference on Friday that total arrivals reached 1,518,153 pilgrims from abroad, with expectations of further increases over the next two days before the official rituals begin on Monday.

Hajj Amid Challenges

What distinguishes this year’s season is exceeding last year’s numbers despite the war that broke out following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The conflict caused air traffic disruptions and higher travel costs, but that did not deter Muslims from performing the pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia has strengthened its security measures to an unprecedented level. It deployed air defense forces and special counter-terrorism and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) emergency units to protect more than 1.5 million pilgrims—the largest security operation in the history of Hajj seasons.

“I Am in the Safest Place in the World”

Pilgrims’ stories this year reflect strong faith. Fadel, a 49-year-old US citizen, told AFP: “Even if the war were ongoing, I would not have backed out. We are undoubtedly in the safest place in the world.”

This sentiment was echoed by many pilgrims from Western countries. Sayed, a 47-year-old Australian performing Hajj for the seventh time, said he “had no hesitation” despite his country’s travel advisories.

The US embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory last month recommending US citizens avoid Hajj this year due to the security situation. However, many have ignored the warning and continued their spiritual journey.

Exceptional Organization

Despite all challenges, authorities continue to receive pilgrims and facilitate their procedures at air, land, and sea entry points. This year’s Hajj operational plan includes unprecedented coordination between the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Health, and Transport to ensure pilgrim safety.

The fragile ceasefire in the region—with an unstable truce since April—keeps everyone on alert, but pilgrims continue to arrive, affirming that faith is stronger than any conflict.

Sources: SPA – Saudi Press Agency, Arab News, Al Arabiya