More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have landed in Saudi Arabia from outside the Kingdom for this year’s Hajj, Saudi officials confirmed, surpassing last year’s international arrivals. The figure signals strong global participation despite ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East.
The surge comes as Saudi authorities implemented expanded logistics, digital visa processing, and enhanced health protocols to manage the influx. Officials said early coordination with airlines, embassies, and pilgrim operators helped streamline arrivals at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Medina’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport.
Religious Affairs Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah noted that the increase reflects confidence in Saudi Arabia’s security and crowd management measures. He added that the Kingdom has worked closely with participating countries to ensure smooth entry and accommodation for pilgrims from diverse regions.
This year’s Hajj is taking place amid heightened regional tensions linked to the war in the Middle East. However, Saudi officials stressed that the holy sites remain secure and that pilgrim safety is the top priority, with additional deployments of security personnel and medical teams.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also introduced new mobile apps to guide pilgrims through rituals, provide real-time updates, and connect them with emergency services. The technology push is part of Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to modernize pilgrimage management.
Many pilgrims expressed relief and gratitude upon arrival, saying they had feared travel restrictions or cancellations due to the conflict. For several countries, quotas were maintained or slightly increased, allowing more citizens to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam.
With rituals set to begin in the coming days, Saudi authorities say they are prepared to host what could be one of the largest Hajj gatherings in recent years. The arrival numbers underscore the enduring spiritual pull of the pilgrimage, even in times of regional uncertainty.