Hajj 2026 Begins as Pilgrims Arrive in Mina, Saudi Arabia Tightens Security Arrangements
Riyadh | May 25, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially began on Monday, 8 Dhul Hijjah, as millions of pilgrims started arriving in Mina to perform the sacred rituals of Hajj.
According to Saudi authorities, all preparations for Hajj 2026 have been completed. Pilgrims are being shifted to Mina through buses and the Mashair train service in an organized manner.
The most important ritual of Hajj, known as Wuquf-e-Arafat, will take place on Tuesday, 9 Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims will be transported to the plains of Arafat before noon, where they will spend the day in prayers and worship until sunset.
After Arafat, pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifah without offering Maghrib prayers, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning ritual.
On 10 Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims will perform the ritual of stoning the largest pillar representing Satan, offer animal sacrifice, and complete Halq or Qasr, after which they will come out of the state of Ihram. Eid al-Adha will also be celebrated on the same day.
Saudi officials said nearly 1.6 million pilgrims from different countries have already arrived in the Kingdom for Hajj. Among them, around 1.47 million pilgrims arrived by air, over 45,000 by land, and more than 6,000 by sea routes.
Authorities stated that advanced technology and modern systems are being used to manage transport, accommodation, security, and crowd control during Hajj.
Saudi Arabia has also strengthened security around the holy sites with advanced surveillance systems, radar technology, anti-aircraft defense systems, and continuous aerial and ground monitoring to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Officials warned that temperatures in Makkah could rise up to 47 degrees Celsius during the Hajj period and advised pilgrims to take precautions against extreme heat.
Meanwhile, Saudi Railways announced a special operational plan for the Haramain High-Speed Railway during Hajj. More than 2.2 million seats have been arranged for pilgrims, with over 140 daily train trips during peak hours.
The Haramain High-Speed Train connects Makkah and Madinah in just 2 hours and 15 minutes and is considered one of the fastest electric train systems in the world.
Saudi authorities said all efforts are being made to ensure a safe, smooth, and peaceful Hajj experience for pilgrims from across the globe.
