MAKKAH (MNN); More than 1.5 million Muslims began arriving in Mina on Monday as the annual Haj pilgrimage got underway in Makkah, with the sacred journey unfolding against the backdrop of hopes for peace in the Middle East.
Pilgrims dressed in white ihram garments travelled by bus and on foot to the vast tent city in Mina after performing tawaf around the Holy Kaaba.
This year’s Haj comes at a time of continued uncertainty in the region, as diplomatic efforts continue over a possible extension of the ceasefire involving Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite regional tensions and recent attacks across parts of the Gulf, Saudi authorities have sought to ensure that the focus remains on worship and spirituality for the millions gathered in the holy city.
Saudi officials said the number of international pilgrims arriving for Haj this year has already surpassed last year’s figure. According to Haj Passport Forces commander Saleh Al-Murabba, 1,518,153 pilgrims had arrived from outside the kingdom by late Friday, with more expected ahead of the formal rituals.
Pilgrims from around the world, including Iran, continued to arrive in large numbers despite earlier travel disruptions and rising transportation costs caused by the regional conflict.
Authorities have also put extensive security and safety arrangements in place. Saudi Arabia has deployed air defence systems around Makkah, while drones, artificial intelligence, and advanced surveillance technologies are being used to monitor crowds, detect violations, and prevent unauthorised entry into the holy sites.
According to Saudi media, AI-powered crowd management systems are being used to predict congestion and redirect pilgrims away from overcrowded areas. Facial recognition cameras and thermal imaging systems are also part of the wider security plan.
Many pilgrims expressed hope that peace would soon return to the region.
“The war has affected everyone. Nobody wants conflict or suffering for any country or people,” said Egyptian pilgrim Mohammed Chahada while leaving the Grand Mosque.
Alongside geopolitical tensions, pilgrims are also facing intense summer heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius throughout much of the week.
Despite the heat, the atmosphere in Makkah remained deeply emotional and joyful.
“I have dreamed of performing Haj my whole life — for 40 or 50 years — and this year that dream came true,” said 68-year-old Jreish Mohammed from Morocco.
Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it.
