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2w ago

Hajj 2026 Begins as More Than 1.5 Million Foreign Pilgrims Gather in Mecca

Heightened security plus expanded heat and medical measures aim to keep rituals focused on worship.

A group of Muslim pilgrims discuss the rituals of circumambulating the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
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A Muslim pilgrim splashes water over his head too cool down outside the Grand Mosque during the annual hajj pilgrimage at the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Concerns over war in the Middle East do not seem to have deterred pilgrims from massing in Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage. Saudi officials predict more will come than did the previous year

Overview

  • The pilgrimage formally opened on Monday with over 1.5 million international pilgrims reported to have arrived and many performing tawaf at the Grand Mosque before moving into the Mina tent city.
  • Saudi authorities publicly displayed advanced air‑defence batteries around Mecca and said the deployments are to protect the holy sites from aerial threats.
  • Officials expanded heat‑safety steps including shaded walkways, misting fans, bottled water distribution and additional medical units to reduce heat‑related illness as temperatures top 40C.
  • Iran’s contingent was sharply smaller than expected, with Iran’s state news agency reporting just over 30,000 pilgrims traveled instead of the roughly 86,700 planned, reflecting wartime travel limits.
  • Organizers say foreign attendance exceeded 2025 levels, travel and fuel costs have risen because of regional tensions, and authorities have enforced rules to keep political displays out of rituals to preserve safety and focus on worship.