Overview
- Hajj will begin on Monday, May 25, after Saudi observers confirmed the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon and the Day of Arafah is expected on Tuesday, May 26.
- Officials say more than 1.2 million pilgrims have already arrived and close to two million are expected overall for the multi‑day pilgrimage.
- Saudi health agencies report enhanced epidemiological surveillance and tightened traveller screening for people coming from outbreak zones to guard against virus threats.
- After deadly heat in 2024, the kingdom has added shaded routes, at least 34 frontline medical units, more than 50,000 health staff and 3,000 ambulances to reduce heat‑related harm.
- The interior ministry has banned political chanting and sectarian flags to prevent unrest, while regional conflicts and higher travel costs have raised evacuation, insurance and logistics concerns for pilgrim groups.