Over 1.5 Million Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2024

The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom for this year's Hajj season. As of Monday, June 10, a total of 1,547,295 pilgrims have entered Saudi Arabia through various ports of entry.

The majority of pilgrims, totaling 1,483,312, arrived via air travel. This mode of entry remains the most popular and efficient for international pilgrims coming to perform Hajj.

Why This Matters: In addition to air travel, 59,273 pilgrims entered through land ports, while 4,710 pilgrims arrived via sea ports. These figures highlight the diverse means by which pilgrims are reaching Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

The General Directorate of Passports emphasized its commitment to facilitating the entry process for all pilgrims. This commitment is reflected in the use of the latest technological advancements at international ports and the deployment of highly qualified multilingual personnel to assist pilgrims.

Last year's Hajj pilgrimage saw over 1.8 million worshipers from more than 150 countries. It is anticipated that this year's pilgrimage will surpass that number, reflecting the growing interest and participation in this significant religious event.

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a religious duty that must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of doing so. This year's Hajj is set to begin on Friday, June 14.

Saudi authorities have identified soaring temperatures as one of the major challenges during this Hajj season. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines and tips to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims. These measures are crucial in helping pilgrims navigate the harsh weather conditions and complete their pilgrimage safely.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2024.
• 1,483,312 pilgrims arrived via air travel, the most popular entry mode.
• 59,273 pilgrims entered through land ports, 4,710 via sea ports.
• Technological advancements and multilingual support facilitate pilgrim entry.
• Soaring temperatures are a major challenge; health guidelines are in place.