Hajj 2024: Over 1.5 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for annual pilgrimage

Over 1.5 million pilgrims have so far arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj season, the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports announced on Tuesday.

The directorate said that up until Monday, June 10, 1, 547,295 pilgrims had entered the Kingdom through the air, land and sea ports.

Breakdown of numbers

The data shared by the agency revealed that 1,483,312 pilgrims arrived via air travel. 59,273 pilgrims entered through land ports while the Kingdom’s sea ports received a total of 4,710 pilgrims.

“The directorate emphasizes it will harness all capabilities to facilitate the entry process for all pilgrims where this commitment is reflected in using the latest technological advancements at international ports,” alongside a team of highly qualified multilingual personnel, it said in the statement.

Last year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage drew over 1.8 million worshipers from more than 150 countries. It is expected that this year’s pilgrimage will exceed that.

The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who are capable of doing so.
This year’s Hajj begins on Friday, June 14.

Saudi authorities said soaring temperatures are among the major challenges during this Hajj season, with the Ministry of Health urging pilgrims to abide by its tips and guidelines to ensure a safe journey.