Despite the significant geopolitical instability and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has officially welcomed over 1.5 million international pilgrims for this year’s Hajj. The recent wave of military tensions, which led to temporary airspace closures and skyrocketing travel costs across the Gulf region, posed a major challenge for the transit of faithful travelers. However, major regional carriers in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have successfully restored operational capacity, ensuring that the flow of pilgrims remains steady as the holy event approaches.

Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of the Hajj Passport Forces, confirmed that the influx of international arrivals has already surpassed last year’s figures, with the final tally for 2025 expected to climb even higher in the coming days. As one of the five pillars of Islam, the Hajj remains a mandatory spiritual journey for those with the necessary means, and this year’s resilience in participation highlights the profound dedication of the global Muslim community. With official rituals set to commence this Monday, the kingdom continues to accommodate the thousands still arriving to fulfill their sacred religious obligation.