Started today Monday 8 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447H the first rites of Hajj, where more than 1.5 million pilgrims from outside the kingdom head to the site of Mina to spend the Day of Tawaf, preparing to stand at the plain of Arafat tomorrow Tuesday.

More than 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad

Colonel Saleh Al-Muqbil, head of the Hajj passport forces, stated that the total number of pilgrims arriving from outside the kingdom reached 1,518,153 until Friday evening, a figure that exceeds the number of foreign guests of the Merciful in the previous year’s season. It is expected that the number will increase further with the arrival of additional crowds during the next two days.

The previous season saw a total of 1,673,320 pilgrims, of whom 1,506,576 were from abroad.

Faith stronger than fear

Despite the tension in the region due to recent events, pilgrims arrived from all over the world to perform the rites. Many of them said they did not hesitate for a moment to come, despite travel warnings from some countries.

Fazl, an American pilgrim aged 49, said: “Even if the war continues, I would not retreat. We are undoubtedly in the safest place in the world”. And added Said, an Australian pilgrim participating in Hajj for the seventh time: “When you intend to come, you come with purpose and message. You place your trust in God, and everything will be fine.”

Comprehensive services for the guests of the Merciful

Government agencies continued to provide comprehensive services to the pilgrims, with on‑site monitoring by the ministers of interior, Hajj and Umrah. The kingdom mobilizes huge capabilities in transport, medical evacuation, and accommodation to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for the guests of the Merciful in the holy sites.

Important Hajj dates:
– Monday 25 May today: Day of Tawaf — heading to Mina
– Tomorrow Tuesday 26 May: Standing at Arafat — the greatest rite
– Wednesday 27 May: First day of Eid al‑Adha — stoning the jamarat and slaughter

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Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and Agence France‑Presse, May 24‑25, 2026