As the Day of Tawaf approaches, the number of pilgrims coming from outside the kingdom has exceeded the one-and-a-half million mark, a scene that reflects Muslims’ determination to perform the fifth pillar despite regional challenges.
Pilgrim Numbers This Year
Lieutenant General Saleh Al-Murrab, head of the Hajj immigration forces, announced that the total number of pilgrims coming from outside the kingdom reached 1,518,153 pilgrims until last Friday, and the number is expected to rise over the next two days as flights continue to arrive before the official rites begin on Monday, 8 Dhu al-Hijjah.
The current number is close to last year’s figures, which were 1,506,576 pilgrims from outside the kingdom out of a total of 1,673,320 pilgrims.
Faith Stronger Than Fear
Despite regional tensions, pilgrims have arrived from more than 180 countries. Many of them expressed their confidence that the kingdom is the safest place. The U.S. embassy issued a warning last month advising to postpone Hajj, but many pilgrims decided to proceed. Fadil, an American pilgrim, says: “Even if the war continues, I would not retreat. We are in the safest spot in the world.”
Kingdom Preparations
Security and health authorities have completed preparations for the Hajj season. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced its readiness to transport pilgrims to the site of Mina tomorrow, Monday, on the Day of Tawaf. Additionally, the air defense forces and special units for securing the holy sites were deployed, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Health.
Hajj Calendar
| Sunday 24 May | 7 Dhu al-Hijjah | Continued arrival of pilgrims |
| Monday 25 May | 8 Dhu al-Hijjah | Day of Tawaf — heading to Mina |
| Tuesday 26 May | 9 Dhu al-Hijjah | Standing at Arafat |
| Wednesday 27 May | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah | Eid al-Adha (Blessed Eid) |
Sources: Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Arab News, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — haj.gov.sa
