MAKKAH — More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims from around the world have gathered in the holy city of Makkah and began filling the vast tent city of Mina to mark the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The multi-day spiritual journey is being performed under intense summer heat, with temperatures already reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Saudi authorities have confirmed that the number of foreign arrivals is higher this year compared to the previous season, prompting expanded health, security, and organizational setups across all holy sites.
Key Highlights
- More than 1.5 million faithful have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj rituals.
- Pakistan has been allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the current season.
- Pilgrims moved to the sprawling encampment of Mina after walking around the holy Kaaba.
- Saudi health officials issued alerts urging the public to use umbrellas due to 45C desert heat.
- Travel costs hit record highs this year due to flight disruptions and regional fuel price increases.
Pilgrims from all over the world arrive in Mina, near Islam’s holiest city of Mecca to mark the beginning of Hajj pilgrimage and make their way towards Mount Arafat, where they will gather for a day of prayer and reflection pic.twitter.com/x9CmHVBAw1
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) May 26, 2026
Massive Pakistani Presence Facilitated by Dedicated Welfare Teams
Pakistan holds one of the largest national quotas for the current pilgrimage, with 179,210 Pakistani citizens authorized to perform the sacred duty. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the distribution includes approximately 120,000 pilgrims traveling under the official government scheme, while the remaining 60,000 are utilizing private operators. Thousands of these Pakistani pilgrims benefited directly from the “Road to Makkah” project at departures in Islamabad and Karachi, allowing them to complete Saudi immigration procedures seamlessly before even leaving their home country.
To manage the massive scale of the operation, Pakistan deployed a robust 949-member welfare team—including medical professionals, technical experts, and administrative assistants—to work 24-hour shifts across Makkah and Madinah. Mission clinics have already provided essential outdoor medical care to thousands of Pakistani citizens to ensure they remain physically prepared for the challenging journey.
Heat Warnings and Economic Pressures Shape Current Season
The white-robed pilgrims arrived at Mina in massive waves, traveling either by foot or via organized bus transit networks. Because the opening days of the pilgrimage are witnessing extreme desert conditions, the Saudi Ministry of Health has repeatedly urged all participants to limit direct sun exposure and carry umbrellas at all times to prevent heat exhaustion.
Beyond the climate challenges, independent financial analysts have noted that this year is the costliest Hajj season on record. Ongoing regional tensions have directly caused international jet fuel prices to double, heavily impacting long-haul flight tickets and overall registration packages for international visitors. Despite these financial and physical hurdles, spirits remain exceptionally high as the global Muslim community unites for the core rituals, which will culminate in the daily prayers at Mount Arafat and the subsequent celebration of Eidul Azha.
