Key Points
- Over 1.5 million pilgrims have gathered in Makkah for this year’s Hajj
- Pilgrims moved into Mina after performing tawaf around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque
- Pilgrimage taking place under advanced facilities and extensive security arrangements
MAKKAH: More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims began arriving in Mina near Makkah on Monday, marking the commencement of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Pilgrims dressed in white ihram garments travelled by bus and on foot into the vast tent city after performing tawaf around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque complex. The movement into Mina signals the formal beginning of the Hajj rituals, which bring together Muslims from across the globe in a powerful display of unity and faith.
As in previous years, this year’s pilgrimage has drawn worshippers from dozens of countries, reflecting the deeply spiritual and international character of Hajj. Saudi authorities said international arrivals have increased compared with last year, highlighting growing participation in the annual pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia has implemented extensive arrangements to ensure the comfort, safety and smooth movement of pilgrims throughout the holy sites. Security and emergency response measures have been reinforced, while modern infrastructure and crowd-management systems have been activated across Makkah and Mina.
A video released by the Saudi Ministry of Defence showed advanced air defence systems positioned around the outskirts of Makkah as part of broader efforts to safeguard the holy sites and ensure peace of mind for pilgrims.
ضمن منظومة الجاهزية المتكاملة لـ #وزارة_الدفاع، تتولى قوات الدفاع الجوي حماية الأجواء في المشاعر المقدسة، والتعامل مع كافة التهديدات الجوية؛ بما يضمن أمن ضيوف الرحمن وطمأنينتهم.#حياكم_الله pic.twitter.com/ZjsJlpN8bO
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) May 23, 2026
“The air defence forces are responsible for protecting the skies over the holy sites and ensuring the safety and comfort of the guests,” the ministry said in a social media statement. Pilgrims from across the Muslim world, including Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco, are participating in the sacred rituals, underscoring the inclusive and global spirit of the pilgrimage.
Many worshippers expressed deep emotion at finally being able to fulfil a lifelong religious obligation. A pilgrim from Egypt, described the experience as spiritually uplifting and said pilgrims were united in prayers for peace, wellbeing and harmony across the world.
The Hajj is also taking place under hot weather conditions, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius during parts of the week. Authorities have installed water-mist fans, cooling systems and medical facilities across the holy sites to assist pilgrims during the physically demanding journey.
Despite the heat, the atmosphere in Makkah remains deeply spiritual, with millions of pilgrims continuing rituals filled with devotion, reflection and gratitude.
