Mecca (Kaab TV) – More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as authorities intensify preparations for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The growing number of pilgrims arriving from across the globe has filled the holy city of Makkah and surrounding sacred sites ahead of the official start of the Hajj rituals in the coming days.
Saudi authorities said extensive security, transportation, and public health measures have been put in place to manage the massive crowds and ensure the safety of worshippers during the pilgrimage. Thousands of additional security personnel, medical workers, emergency teams, and volunteers have been deployed across Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat to assist pilgrims.
The Saudi government has also introduced advanced technology and crowd-management systems, including surveillance networks, smart transportation services, and digital guidance tools, aimed at easing movement and reducing congestion at the holy sites.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia from different parts of the world to take part in the pilgrimage, which includes a series of religious rituals performed over several days.
Authorities have increased preparations in recent years following past incidents involving overcrowding, heat exhaustion, and stampedes during the pilgrimage season. Health officials are also closely monitoring conditions due to extreme temperatures expected during this year’s Hajj, with cooling stations, medical clinics, and water distribution centers set up across the pilgrimage routes.
The arrival of millions of pilgrims is also expected to provide a major economic boost to Saudi Arabia, particularly in sectors such as transportation, hospitality, food services, and retail businesses operating around the holy cities.
Saudi officials have urged pilgrims to follow safety instructions and cooperate with authorities to ensure a peaceful and organized pilgrimage season.