More than 1.7 million Muslims from across the globe have converged on the holy city of Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, braving extreme desert heat, lingering geopolitical strife in the Middle East, and stringent Saudi-imposed regulations to fulfil one of Islam’s most sacred duties.
Record numbers despite regional instability
The annual Hajj pilgrimage is continuing in Saudi Arabia, having drawn over 1.7 million Muslims from around the world this year. Despite scorching temperatures, a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, and strict government controls, millions of the faithful have arrived in Mecca to perform one of the central rites of Islam.
According to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics, shared on the social media platform X: “The total number of pilgrims in 2026 has reached 1,707,301.” By comparison, around 1.67 million people took part in Hajj in 2025, according to regional media reports, confirming a steady increase in participation.
Official figures show that approximately 160,000 of this year’s pilgrims are Saudi citizens or residents, with the remainder arriving from abroad.
Iranian participation draws attention
One notable aspect of this year’s pilgrimage has been the presence of pilgrims from Iran. Despite heightened regional tensions and the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington, roughly 30,000 Iranians are taking part. An earlier estimate had suggested that up to 86,000 Iranian pilgrims might attend, as reported by a regional news agency.
The pilgrimage is being carried out in exceptionally harsh weather conditions. On Tuesday, temperatures around the holy sites exceeded 40°C. In response, support stations have been set up along the pilgrim routes, where volunteers are distributing water, ice cream, and sun umbrellas to help those undertaking the journey.
Strict permit rules and heavy fines
Considerable attention is being paid to safety and crowd control. Saudi authorities have reiterated that Hajj may only be performed with a special permit. The Ministry of the Interior has warned that violators face severe penalties.
“Anyone attempting Hajj without a permit may be fined up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately £4,300),” officials cautioned.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory at least once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. The pilgrimage takes place in Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest shrine, the Kaaba.
Permits for Hajj are allocated between countries through specific quotas and then issued to pilgrims via a lottery system.
The rituals: From Ihram to the Stoning of the Devil
The Hajj rituals span several days and include a series of obligatory rites. On the first day, pilgrims don Ihram – a simple white seamless garment – and arrive in Mecca to perform Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah). They then head to the valley of Mina, where they spend the night in prayer.
The following day, pilgrims proceed to Mount Arafat for a day of supplication, repentance and reflection. Mount Arafat is considered one of the most significant sites of the Hajj, and the day spent there is known as the Day of Arafat. In 2026, it fell on May 26.
After Arafat, pilgrims travel to the valley of Muzdalifah to prepare for one of the most recognisable rituals of Hajj: the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat Bridge. Pilgrims collect small pebbles and return to Mina, where they throw them at three pillars representing Satan.
The Hajj concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice), known in Islamic tradition as the feast of sacrifice.
Saudi authorities traditionally step up safety and health monitoring during the Hajj period, as the combination of vast crowds and extreme weather poses elevated risks to pilgrims’ wellbeing.
