The Hajj season for this year officially began on Monday, with more than one and a half million pilgrims arriving from outside the kingdom to Mecca and Medina. This comes amid a spiritual atmosphere and intensive preparations by government agencies to ensure safety and service to the guests of Allah.
Hajj numbers this year
The head of the Hajj passport forces, Saleh bin Saad Al-Muqbil, announced that the number of pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia exceeded 1.5 million until last Friday. The number of pilgrims continues to increase as flights keep arriving in the kingdom.
Hajj in hot conditions
Pilgrims are performing their rites this year in high temperatures, with many using umbrellas and portable fans for protection from the sun. Volunteer teams are distributing water bottles and spraying cold water mist to help pilgrims stay refreshed.
Since their arrival, pilgrims are circumambulating the Sacred House in the Grand Mosque in an atmosphere of faith filled with reverence and supplication.
Key Hajj milestones
Ritual schedule:
- Monday (today): Head to Mina and spend the day in tents
- Tuesday (Standing at Arafat): Ascend to Arafat and pray — the peak of Hajj
- Wednesday: Eid, stoning the jamarat, Tawaf al-Ifadah
Tips for pilgrims
💡 Tip: Ensure you drink plenty of water constantly, and use an umbrella for sun protection. Follow the supervisors’ instructions and always keep your Hajj identification card with you.
To learn more about Hajj, you can visit the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah at https://www.haj.gov.sa or the Nusuk app Nusuk — nusuk.sa.
