Over 1.5 mn Haj pilgrims arrive in Mina
MINA, May 25: More than 1.6 million pilgrims have gathered in Mina as Hajj enters the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the start of the most intensive phase ahead of Arafat Day on May 26.
The number of foreign pilgrims has reached 1,518,153, a 0.8 percent increase from 2025, according to a report.
Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, pilgrims are spending the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah on Monday in Mina, worshipping and preparing before moving to Arafat, the spiritual climax of Hajj, on Tuesday.
Movement into Mina was carried out under a unified operational system, with authorities reporting smooth flow along key routes, supported by traffic management plans and aerial monitoring to ensure orderly crowd movement.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said its operational plans for the Day of Tarwiyah were part of a broader integrated system designed to ensure smooth movement, efficient crowd management, and high-quality services throughout the pilgrimage.
Officials stressed that coordination across security, health, and service agencies remained central to maintaining safety, comfort, and operational efficiency during Hajj.
Over 1.5 million people have arrived in Mecca for the annual Haj pilgrimage, which this year takes place amid hopes for an end to the war in West Asia.
To protect them, the Saudi Ministry of Defence has strengthened its air defences. The white-clad pilgrims, travelling by bus or on foot, arrived at the vast Mina encampment after performing the “tawaf,” or walking seven times around the Kaaba, the enormous black cube of Mecca’s Great Mosque.
The start of the Hajj coincided with US President Donald Trump sending mixed signals regarding a possible agreement to extend the fragile ceasefire with Iran and a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reports Adnkronos news agency.
This year’s celebrations, which draw Muslims from around the world, including Iran, follow a series of Iranian attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf countries.
Saudi authorities have worked to keep the conflict away from the Haj, with many Muslims travelling long distances to participate in one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages.
Despite the uncertainty caused by the conflict, Saudi officials said that more pilgrims from abroad participated in the Haj this year than in 2025.
The Saudi Ministry of Defence showed a video of advanced air defence batteries positioned on the outskirts of Mecca.
“The air defence forces are responsible for protecting the skies above the holy sites and responding to all aerial threats, ensuring the safety and tranquillity of visitors,” the post read.
Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said that it intercepted three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq.
The UAE said Tuesday that its air defence systems had detected six drones coming from Iraq over the previous 48 hours. (Inputs from IANS)
