MORE than 1.5 million Muslims began filling a vast tent city in Mecca yesterday for an annual Haj pilgrimage.
The white-robed pilgrims on buses or on foot arrived at the encampment in Mina after performing the ‘tawaf’ – walking seven times around the Kaaba at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
This year’s rites, drawing worshippers from across the world, follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours.
Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad to participate in this year’s Haj than in 2025.
Saudi authorities have also signalled their readiness to protect this Haj season. A video posted on social media by the Saudi defence ministry showed advanced air defence batteries positioned on the outskirts of the holy city.
The pilgrimage will be held against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions but also under scorching heat, with temperatures forecast to top 40C for much of the week.
Pilgrims in Mecca were, however, ecstatic. “I have wanted to perform the pilgrimage my entire life, for 40 or 50 years,” said Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old decked out in the traditional attire from his native Morocco. “And this year, my dream came true.”
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