Hajj 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia as over 1.5 million pilgrims gather in Mecca
Worshippers face soaring temperatures during sacred annual journey
DUBAI – The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially began in Saudi Arabia on Monday as more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world gathered in Mecca for one of Islam’s most significant acts of worship.
Despite extreme heat and ongoing regional uncertainty, millions of Muslims have arrived to undertake the sacred journey, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and obligatory at least once for those physically and financially able to perform it.
Saudi authorities confirmed that the number of foreign pilgrims had already surpassed 1.5 million, with officials expecting overall participation to reach between 1.6 and 1.8 million this season. The influx comes as the Middle East continues to face geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict and wider regional tensions.
Hajj 2026
Pilgrims began travelling towards Mina from Sunday night, following Saudi authorities’ arrangements aimed at ensuring safe and organised movement. According to religious obligations, worshippers will remain in Mina on Zilhaj 08 and offer five daily prayers there before continuing the next stages of Hajj.
Saleh Al-Murabba, commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport Forces, said the total number of overseas pilgrims had reached 1,518,153. The figure has already exceeded last year's international pilgrim count of 1,506,576, despite disruptions in regional travel earlier this year.
Many worshippers described feelings of gratitude and relief upon arriving in Mecca. Pilgrims continued to flow into the Grand Mosque complex around the Kaaba as preparations intensified for the days ahead.
Heat challenge
Pilgrims have also been enduring intense temperatures while performing rituals around the Grand Mosque. Large numbers of worshippers used umbrellas and hand fans, while volunteers distributed water to ease the impact of the sweltering weather.
What’s the weather like today in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites? #Hajj1447AH pic.twitter.com/LhxLFJvMbB
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 24, 2026
Saudi authorities introduced cooling measures including misting systems and fans throughout key pilgrimage sites. Mina's vast tent city is expected to host enormous crowds as pilgrims continue their journey.
Stay safe while performing your rituals and follow the guidelines to prevent heat exhaustion.#Hajj1447AH pic.twitter.com/JMilAoIznt
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 24, 2026
The pilgrimage has also unfolded amid wider instability across the region. Earlier disruptions linked to conflict involving Iran caused airspace closures and travel complications across parts of the Gulf, leading to increased travel costs and flight interruptions. However, airlines gradually restored operations, allowing pilgrims to continue their journeys.
After spending the night in Mina, pilgrims will travel to Mount Arafat on Tuesday, considered the most significant day of Hajj. Worshippers will gather in prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness during what is regarded as the principal rite of the pilgrimage.
This year's Hajj sermon will be delivered by Sheikh Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaifi, chief Imam and Khatib of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Pilgrims will later continue to Muzdalifah before returning to Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual and the remaining stages of Hajj in the days that follow.