Haj Pilgrim Numbers Surpass 2025 Arrivals Despite Middle East Conflict

More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage, surpassing international arrival figures recorded last year despite ongoing conflict and tensions in the Middle East.

According to Saudi officials, over 1,518,000 foreign pilgrims have already entered the kingdom ahead of the formal start of Haj rituals, with numbers expected to rise further in the coming days.

The increase comes despite disruptions caused by regional instability following military tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which affected air travel and increased transportation costs across the Gulf region.

Saudi authorities and major Gulf airlines have continued efforts to restore flight operations and facilitate pilgrim arrivals as preparations for Haj intensify across Makkah and surrounding holy sites.

Analysts say the strong turnout reflects the determination of Muslims worldwide to perform Haj despite geopolitical uncertainty and logistical challenges in the region.