This is no figure of speech. The Saudi leadership quite literally does not sleep during Hajj.

Year after year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unparalleled ability to uphold the sacred trust bestowed upon it by God — the responsibility of organizing the Hajj and serving the guests of the Almighty. In doing so, it has become a global benchmark for managing the largest annual human gathering on earth, marked by precision, professionalism, and utmost safety.

At the heart of this unparalleled effort lies the unwavering commitment of the Saudi leadership — led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may God preserve them. The title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” is not a mere ceremonial designation. It reflects the essence of Saudi leadership, which dedicates all its resources to serving pilgrims, with the full support and pride of the Saudi people.

Each year, the world watches a remarkable scene unfold as the Kingdom welcomes millions of pilgrims and oversees the Hajj rituals with a unique model of care, logistics, and humaneness — a system that reflects the Saudi leadership’s devotion to the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and to the dignity of the pilgrims.

It is no surprise that the Kingdom is globally hailed as a model in managing this colossal annual event. For Saudi Arabia, Hajj is not only an honor but a historic and religious duty, passed down through generations of leadership and upheld with national vigor and responsibility.

The Two Holy Mosques lie at the very core of Saudi Arabia’s identity — a cornerstone of its spiritual and civilizational mission since the unification of the Kingdom by its founding father, King Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him.

This devotion manifests in every detail of Hajj management. Ministries, security forces, medical units, and service sectors operate in seamless coordination to provide a deeply spiritual, safe, and smooth experience for pilgrims from all corners of the world.

What stands out year after year is the meticulous and direct supervision of the Saudi leadership. King Salman personally oversees preparations, while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman follows the developments minute by minute, issuing instructions to ensure the utmost comfort and security of the pilgrims — tirelessly and without delay.

This is no figure of speech. The Saudi leadership quite literally does not sleep during Hajj. Real-time decisions, instant adjustments, and swift implementations are hallmarks of a flexible and efficient system — all aimed at ensuring that the guests of God fulfill their rites in peace and safety.

Security remains the foundational pillar of Hajj operations. The Kingdom spares no effort in protecting pilgrims from all potential risks — organizational, health-related, or security threats. Thousands of security personnel are strategically deployed across the holy sites, backed by advanced monitoring technologies, real-time tracking systems, and crowd management strategies designed to swiftly respond to any emergency.

Yet beyond safety, the Kingdom offers pilgrims peace of mind — a palpable sense of care and protection that enhances the spiritual serenity of the Hajj experience.

The massive expansion projects in the holy sites are a clear testament to this dedication. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has implemented the largest expansion in the history of the Grand Mosque, alongside the development of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. Modern transport systems, bus lanes, and the Mashair Train have all contributed to reducing congestion and facilitating the pilgrim flow.

Saudi Arabia has also established a robust medical infrastructure, with hundreds of clinics, field hospitals, air ambulances, cooling stations, air-conditioned tents, and water and food distribution points — all functioning 24/7 as part of a fully integrated logistical network.

Nor has the Kingdom been left behind in the digital age. On the contrary, technology has been seamlessly woven into the Hajj operation. Smart applications now guide pilgrims, provide real-time assistance, issue fatwas, and help locate services. Artificial intelligence and multilingual service robots offer on-the-ground support, making the pilgrim experience smoother and more accessible.

This digital transformation is not about technological showmanship, but rather about achieving the ultimate goal — easing the physical and emotional burden on every pilgrim.

In alignment with Vision 2030, the Kingdom has made pilgrim service a national priority. The “Guests of God Service Program” is a flagship initiative aimed at upgrading every aspect of the Hajj and Umrah journey — from arrival to departure — by expanding capacity, enhancing quality, and enriching the spiritual experience.

This reflects not a seasonal commitment, but a long-term, strategic pledge to make the pilgrimage not only spiritually fulfilling but also welcoming, dignified, and memorable.

What distinguishes the Saudi model is its dedication to constant improvement. After each Hajj season, thorough reviews are conducted, feedback is analyzed, committees convene, and plans are updated to address challenges and refine processes. Lessons learned are actively incorporated into future operations.

This proactive approach sends a clear message: the safety and service of pilgrims is a red line for the Kingdom — a responsibility never taken lightly, and never compromised.

Hajj in Saudi Arabia is not merely an event. It is a grand narrative of dedication and accountability, orchestrated by leaders who remain alert, teams who think ahead, and hands that serve with sincerity.

Yes, no human operation is perfect. Minor lapses are natural in an event of such scale. Yet unfortunately, some exploit these rare instances to spread negativity or distort reality. Saudi Arabia, with its transparent governance and quiet confidence, does not answer with rhetoric — it responds with action, consistent upgrades, and the undeniable testimony of millions of satisfied pilgrims.

Credible voices across the Arab, Islamic, and global media landscape have praised Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management as a model of service, discipline, and sincerity — a standard to aspire to.

Year after year, the Kingdom continues to prove that it is most worthy of this sacred trust — not just capable, but exemplary. In doing so, it transforms one of the world’s greatest logistical challenges into a shining symbol of compassion, order, and excellence.

We pray to Almighty God to bless our wise leadership and grant continued success to all those serving this Hajj season. May the Kingdom and its people remain forever safe and prosperous.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

According to Al-Rabiah, with an estimated 1.37 million Indian Muslims expected to perform Umrah in 2024, up from 1.2 million in 2023, the Saudi government has made it easier for Indians to undertake the pilgrimage. Previously, specific visas were required for Umrah, but now Indians can perform the pilgrimage with work or tourism visas.

The minister also praised the contributions of the Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, acknowledging their role in the economic and cultural enrichment of the country.

To further enhance the experience of Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi government has introduced the “Nusuk” platform exhibition, which showcases advancements in electronic services tailored for pilgrims. This platform aims to provide a range of digital services and resources to enhance the spiritual journey of visitors to the holy cities of Makkah and Medinah. It also aims to introduce pilgrims to historical and Islamic landmarks, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of their visit.

In order to accommodate a larger number of Indian pilgrims, agreements have been made to increase the number of dedicated flights from India to Jeddah and Madinah. The expansion includes the introduction of direct flights from multiple Indian airports, making travel seamless for pilgrims.

Additionally, seat capacity on Saudi Airlines has been strategically increased to meet the growing demand for Umrah pilgrimage. These measures aim to streamline and enrich the experience for Indian travelers, ensuring a smooth and expedited journey for all Umrah participants from India.

Recent revisions to Umrah visa regulations for Indian Muslims have eliminated restrictions based on their previous visa status and introduced a user-friendly e-visa system. The changes have streamlined the visa application process, leading to accelerated approvals and fostering an environment of inclusivity and heightened security. Noteworthy adaptations include the extension of the Umrah visa to 90 days and the ability to acquire an entry visa within 48 hours for Umrah visits. Indian travelers are also authorized to undertake Umrah in Saudi Arabia using their work, tourist, or Umrah visas, as well as with a UK, US, or Schengen visa or residency in these countries. Furthermore, Indians interested in performing Umrah can obtain a stopover visa.

These measures have been specifically designed to provide Indian pilgrims with enhanced flexibility throughout their journey, particularly benefiting women embarking on independent Umrah trips. The changes aim to promote gender equality and create a safer and more inclusive environment, ensuring a more fulfilling and secure pilgrimage experience for all travelers.

The introduction of the “Tasheer” center is another significant initiative catering to Umrah pilgrims from India. This center offers expedited and seamless visa services, aligning with the goals of the Pilgrims Experience Program and Saudi Vision 2030. The establishment of the “Tasheer” center exemplifies the commitment of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to enhance the pilgrimage experience for all visitors to Saudi Arabia, regardless of their visa type.

The Indian community, consisting of approximately two million individuals, has made a profound impact on Saudi Arabia across various domains such as economics, social engagement, cultural enrichment, and academia. Their contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s development and fostering cultural diversity and mutual understanding. Actively engaged in the country’s progress, the Indian community has contributed significantly to Saudi Arabia’s growth and integration.

The easing of visa rules and increase in dedicated flights for Indian Umrah pilgrims reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating and enhancing the experience of Indian Muslims undertaking this important spiritual journey.

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated remarkable empathy in ensuring that pilgrims fulfill their spiritual obligations with utmost tranquility and devotion.

The Hajj, which takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim to undertake this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. More than two million Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca each year to fulfill this religious obligation.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a long and proud tradition of hosting Hajj and embracing pilgrims from all over the world, who embark on Hajj to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham who built the holy house of Kaba, and his willingness to sacrifice his son in response to God’s command. The Hajj is a symbol of pure monotheism.

King Salman proclaimed, “I and my predecessors, my brothers, the sons of King Abdul Aziz, are always honored to be the custodians of the Two Holy mosques. We and our people are always honored to serve the two holy mosques. Thanks to Allah, our country enjoys security”.

The ambitions of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman mirror the Kingdom’s profound commitment in fulfilling its sacred duty of serving the revered guests of God.

It has always been the responsibility of Saudi Arabia to manage the Hajj and ensure that the pilgrimage is carried out smoothly and safely. In recent years, the Saudi government has heavily invested in the development of Hajj facilities and infrastructure to provide pilgrims with a comfortable and secure experience.

Hajj Concludes Extraordinarily with Success

The Hajj-2023 has been a resounding success, with the number of pilgrims reaching 1,845,045 of whom 1,660,915 were international pilgrims and 184,130 domestic pilgrims.

The Crown Prince MBS affirmed, “We will continue – with the help of God – to exert efforts and mobilize resources to facilitate the performance of Hajj every year”.

A historic transformation is taking place in the Hajj system, under the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced E-Visas to facilitate Hajj and Umrah through the “Nusuk Hajj” platform, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAI) offers the “Banan” service to verify the identities of the pilgrims through biometric information.

The Saudi Ministry of Media introduced the Virtual Press Center for the 2023 Hajj, to ensure smooth media coverage to 900+ registered local and global media professionals. 17 million educational text messages were broadcasted by The Authority of Islamic Affairs to guide the guests of God. 

143 educational materials were displayed on 186 interactive screens in 16 languages. The Islamic affairs provided 9 cabins and 100 awareness screens only in the Arafat area.

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated remarkable empathy in ensuring that pilgrims fulfill their spiritual obligations with utmost tranquility and devotion.

Over 37 government entities were present to provide services to pilgrims. According to the Ministry of Health, 32 hospitals and 140 health centers were fully functional serving the pilgrims, with a hospital bed capacity of 6,132,761. 

There were 32,000 health practitioners on duty, with over 400,000 pilgrims receiving health assistance. Over 50 open heart surgeries were performed successfully, 1600 dialysis sessions were held, 8000 heat stroke cases were treated, 100,000 umbrellas were distributed and over 4000 pilgrims received virtual medical services – all FREE of cost – upon directives of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Al-Saud granted a gift of Hajj to 1300 pilgrims from over 90 countries, and ensured to pay the expenses of sacrificial animals of 4951 pilgrims. “Hadiyah” provided over 5 million meals to pilgrims in the Grand Mosque, and over 73 million food items were distributed by the Ministry of Commerce in Arafat and Muzdalifah. The Saudi Hajj Ministry helped 450 people with disabilities and orphans to perform Hajj – free of cost.

Pilgrims were transported from Arafat to Muzdalifah through more than 11 designated routes, utilizing 20,000 buses. Over 300,000 pilgrims were transported using the Al-Mashaaer Metro. The Al-Mashaaer Metro had the capacity to transport 2M+ pilgrims with 2000+ trips alone in this 2023 Hajj season. 10,000 carts were available to serve pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia’s remarkable achievement includes the completion of the $7.87 billion Haramain Railway, an impressive transportation project that spans a distance of 450km, connecting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Communications there were 15,000 cell towers and 100,000 Wi-Fi access points available for Hajj pilgrims in 2023. This was an increase of 50% from the previous year, with 2000 technicians deployed to maintain the network. An average of 3.97K TB of data was used daily, nearly 2 times the global average per capita consumption.

The Saudi National Water Company pumped and supplied 78.5 million cubic meters of water during Hajj 2023 for drinking, ablution and other purposes.

This boundless generosity, unwavering determination and exceptional implementation demonstrated by the Saudi Kingdom in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage have left an indelible mark of excellence. As a result of these benevolent investments and historic initiatives, the Hajj has become safer, pleasant and more comfortable for pilgrims.

The Kingdom has ensured the diligent development of The Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque by carrying out several expansions over the years. The expansion is a complex and challenging process, but the Saudi government has successfully executed these expansions in a delicate, respectful and considerate manner. It has invested over $100 billion in infrastructure for Hajj since 2015.

Their visionary leadership has ensured the seamless implementation of infrastructure projects, from expensive expansions of the Grand Mosque to the construction of state-of-the-art facilities, providing pilgrims with unparalleled comfort and convenience.

The Grand Mosque in Makkah sprawls upon an area of 356,000 square meters. It can accommodate up to 2.5 million people today. Whereas in 1932, the mosque accommodated around 100,000 people and stood at an area of 9000 square meters.

Saudi Arabia has expanded the total area of the Prophet’s Mosque by 2400% since 1932. The original area of the mosque was only 16,000 square meters, but it has now been expanded to 400,000 square meters. It now has the capacity to accommodate 1.5 million worshippers, from the 17,000 in 1932.

18 escalators, 13 minarets, and 263 umbrellas were installed during the development of the Two Holy Mosques by the Saudi governments.

In the 1920s, the Hajj pilgrimage witnessed a humble voyage, with less than 60,000 pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey. However, over the past 54 years Saudi Arabia has witnessed an annual gathering of 1.8 million faithful performing Hajj. A remarkable testament to its role as the host, the Kingdom has welcomed a staggering 99 million pilgrims during the last 54 years.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In 2021, Saudi Arabia introduced a new “Smart Hajj” system to enhance the pilgrimage’s efficiency and reduce congestion. This system included the use of electronic bracelets for pilgrims, containing personal and medical information and a real-time location tracker. This allowed the authorities to monitor the movement of pilgrims and ensure their safety and accountability at all times.

Apart from the smart Hajj system, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The use of AI in Masjid al Haram during Hajj has enabled the Saudi government to manage the massive crowds of pilgrims more efficiently. 

For instance, the Kingdom has implemented an AI-powered crowd management system that can track the movement of pilgrims within the mosque and surrounding areas. This system uses real-time data to predict the flow of crowds, identify congestion points, and provide information to authorities to manage the crowds effectively.

The Saudi government has introduced AI-powered translation services for non-Arabic speaking pilgrims, which is particularly helpful for those seeking to understand religious teachings. 

The translation system uses AI technology to translate the Imam’s sermons and other religious speeches in real-time into various languages, such as English, French, Urdu, and Malay.

Additionally, the use of AI in Masjid al Haram during Hajj has improved security measures for pilgrims. The government has implemented an AI-powered surveillance system that utilises facial recognition technology to identify individuals who may pose a security risk. 

The system can also track the movements of individuals within the mosque and surrounding areas, enabling authorities to monitor any suspicious activity and ensure the safety of all pilgrims.

Moreover, to improve the cleaning process of the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia has implemented Artificial Intelligence-enabled machines. These robots are capable of absorbing dust within the mosque, sweeping carpets, and cleaning stairs, escalators, and floors.

This initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to utilize AI technology to enhance the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. The AI-powered robots have been introduced to streamline the cleaning process and ensure that the Grand Holy Mosque is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness.

By implementing AI mechanisms, the Saudi government is taking a significant step towards modernizing the maintenance and cleaning processes of the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah.

This not only ensures a more efficient and effective cleaning process but also helps to maintain the mosque’s cleanliness and hygienic standards, providing a more comfortable and safe environment for visitors.

Overall, the deployment of AI-enabled machines to clean the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah is an important step towards utilizing technology to improve the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. 

Conclusion

The Saudi Kings’ steadfast commitment to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage in an exceptional manner showcases their profound devotion to Islam and their compassion towards the worldwide Muslim community.

King Salman bin Abdul Aziz said, “We draw inspiration from Hajj, embracing the meanings of mutual support, brotherhood, and unity”.

Saudi Arabia’s progress in enhancing the facilities and infrastructure for the Hajj pilgrimage while prioritizing the safety and comfort of the pilgrims is commendable. With the continued implementation of new technologies and investments in infrastructure, the Hajj experience is expected to become even more efficient and enjoyable for pilgrims in the coming years.

Afreen Baig is a regular writer on contemporary issues of the Middle-East and the Arab World, for UK-based the Milli Chronicle. She is Master of Philosophy in Public Administration.

Zahack Tanvir is an international writer and counter-terrorism expert. He writes mainly on Indo-Arab relations. He holds a Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence from the UK.

Abu Rahal was one of more than 2 million haj pilgrims expected to attend the 2023 pilgrimage season this week in Mecca and Medina, defying global inflation and higher prices for haj services.

Palestinian pilgrim Abu Anas Abu Rahal was hoping to find cheaper lodgings for a week-long stay in Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, as the minimum cost for the haj pilgrimage climbed to 26,000 riyals ($7,000) this year. His options were limited.

The 65-year-old struggled to pay the bill despite choosing the cheapest-offered package, which included travelling to Saudi Arabia by land and sharing hotel rooms with other pilgrims.

“I was asking for a fourth option, with a farther hotel which could be half cheaper. The prices and the choices that have been given are embarrassing to be honest,” Abu Rahal said, adding that pilgrims last year paid the same price for a package that included flights.

“For the sake of the holy mosque and seeing the Kaaba… everything is worth it, but the economic conditions are really tough,” he added.

Abu Rahal was one of more than 2 million haj pilgrims expected to attend the 2023 pilgrimage season this week in Mecca and Medina, defying global inflation and higher prices for haj services.

Authorities in the kingdom said more than 1.6 million pilgrims had already arrived for the pilgrimage as of Sunday. The gathering officially starts on Tuesday.

Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, is a major source of income for the Saudi government from worshippers’ lodging, transport, fees and gifts.

The kingdom earned about $12 billion annually from the 2.6 million pilgrims that used to visit Mecca and Medina for haj, and another 19 million visitors for the umrah, according to official data for 2019, or the last year before the pandemic hit the global travel industry.

Umrah is another form of pilgrimage which can be carried out at any time of the year.

Vast crowds of men wrapped in white and women mostly in black circled the Kaaba in Mecca’s Holy Mosque as security officers walked among pilgrims, watching closely the ritual.

Green barriers were set outside the mosque to direct the crowds and prevent stampedes that killed hundreds in the past.

Many pilgrims said they were happy to take the spiritual journey and buy gifts for their family members despite high prices.

“Even if I had to sell everything to come (to haj), I would have done it… I have been trying for three years already,” said Alameer Eid Al-Omar, a 52-year-old pilgrim from Egypt.

Such devotion provides business for the merchants of Mecca.

“The demand for prayer beads is way higher than in the previous years, including before the pandemic,” said shop manager Abdullah Abbas.

“All nationalities buy beads,” he added.

The year before, some 2.5 million Muslims had taken part.

Some 2 million Muslim pilgrims officially began the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Monday, making their way out of Mecca after circling Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba, and converging on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert for a day and night of prayer.

One of the largest religious gatherings in the world has returned to full capacity this year for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic three years ago.

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to make the five-day Hajj at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do it.

For pilgrims, it is a deeply moving spiritual experience that absolves sins, brings them closer to God and unites the world’s more than 1.8 billion Muslims. Some spend years saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the journey.

Maintaining the holy sites and hosting the annual Hajj is a major source of pride and legitimacy for the Saudi royal family, which captured Mecca in the 1920s. The pilgrimage has occasionally been marred by tragedy, as in 2015, when over 2,400 people died in a stampede and crush of pilgrims.

As the outbreak of the coronavirus led to worldwide lockdowns in 2020, Saudi authorities limited the Hajj to a few thousand citizens and local residents. The year before, some 2.5 million Muslims had taken part.

Pilgrims begin by entering a state of spiritual purity known as “ihram.” Men wear simple, white terrycloth garments and women forgo make-up and cover their hair. The pilgrims circle the black, cube-shaped Kaaba seven times and walk between two hills, all of which are encompassed by Mecca’s Grand Mosque, the world’s largest.

The rituals during Hajj largely commemorate the Quran’s accounts of Ibrahim, his son Ismail and Ismail’s mother Hajar. The walk between the hills, for example, recreates Hajar’s search for water in the desert for Ismail. In Islamic tradition, Ibrahim was ordered by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail, only to have his hand stayed at the last moment. Muslims believe Ibrahim and Ismail later built the Kaaba, which Muslims face during their daily prayers no matter where they are in the world.

In the Christian and Jewish traditions, which refer to him as Abraham, the biblical patriarch is ordered to sacrifice his other son, Isaac.

Pilgrims have been doing the ritual circuit around the Kaaba since arriving in Mecca over recent days. As the last ones performed it Monday, the pilgrims made their way by foot or by bus to Mina, where they will camp in one of the largest tent cities in the world. They will pray throughout the day and night before traveling on Tuesday to Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have delivered his final sermon.

The pilgrims will then collect pebbles from a site known as Muzdalifa to be used in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. The final three days of the Hajj coincide with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday, when Muslims around the world slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. For the pilgrims, it is a profound spiritual experience that wipes away sins, brings them closer to God and highlights Muslim unity.

For the Saudi royal family, which captured Mecca in the 1920s, organizing the pilgrimage is a major source of pride and legitimacy. Authorities have invested billions of dollars in modern infrastructure, but the Hajj has occasionally been marred by tragedy, as in 2015, when over 2,400 pilgrims died in a stampede.

Here’s a look at the pilgrimage, which begins on Monday, and its meaning.

What Is The History Of The Hajj Pilgrimage In Islam?

The pilgrimage draws Muslims from around the world to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, where they walk in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad and retrace the journey of Ibrahim and Ismail, or Abraham and Ishmael as they are known in the Christian and Jewish traditions.

As related in the Quran, Ibrahim is called upon to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith, but God stays his hand at the last moment. Ibrahim and Ismail later are said to have built the Kaaba together. In the Christian and Jewish traditions, Abraham nearly sacrifices his other son, Isaac, on Mount Moriah, which is associated with a major holy site in Jerusalem.

The Kaaba was a center for polytheistic worship among pagan Arabs until the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, when the Prophet Muhammad consecrated the site and inaugurated the Hajj.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure covered in a black, gold-embroidered cloth, but view it as their most sacred place and a powerful symbol of unity and monotheism. No matter where they are in the world, Muslims face toward the Kaaba during their daily prayers.

The Hajj has been held every year since the time of the prophet, even through wars, plagues and other turmoil.

In the Middle Ages, Muslim rulers organized massive caravans with armed escorts that would depart from Cairo, Damascus and other cities. It was an arduous journey through deserts where Bedouin tribes carried out raids and demanded tribute. A notorious Bedouin raid in 1757 wiped out an entire Hajj caravan, killing thousands of pilgrims.

In 2020, amid worldwide coronavirus lockdowns, Saudi Arabia limited the pilgrimage to a few thousand citizens and local residents. This is the first year it returns to full capacity.

How Do Muslim Prepare For The Hajj?

Some pilgrims spend their whole lives saving up for the journey or wait years before getting a permit, which Saudi authorities distribute to countries based on a quota system. Travel agents offer packages catering to all income levels, and charities assist needy pilgrims.

Pilgrims begin by entering a state of spiritual purity known as “ihram.” Women forgo make-up and perfume and cover their hair, while men change into seamless terrycloth robes. The garments cannot contain any stitching, a rule intended to promote unity among rich and poor.

Pilgrims are forbidden from cutting their hair, trimming their nails or engaging in sexual intercourse while in the state of ihram. They are not supposed to argue or fight, but the heat, crowds and difficulty of the journey inevitably test people’s patience.

Many Muslims visit Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried and where he built the first mosque, before heading to Mecca.

What Happens During The Hajj?

The Hajj begins with Muslims circling the Kaaba in Mecca counter-clockwise seven times while reciting prayers. Then they walk between two hills in a reenactment of Hagar’s search for water for her son, Ismail, a story that occurs in different forms in Muslim, Christian and Jewish traditions.

All of this takes place inside Mecca’s Grand Mosque — the world’s largest — which encompasses the Kaaba and the two hills.

The next day, pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon. Here, they stand in prayer throughout the day asking God for forgiveness of their sins in what many view as the spiritual high point of the pilgrimage.

Around sunset, pilgrims walk or take buses to an area called Muzdalifa, 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west of Arafat. They pick up pebbles to use the next day in a symbolic stoning of the devil in the valley of Mina, where Muslims believe Ibrahim was tempted to ignore God’s command to sacrifice his son. The pilgrims stay for several nights in Mina in one of the largest tent camps in the world.

The pilgrimage ends with a final circling of the Kaaba and further casting of stones at Mina. Men often shave their heads and women clip a lock of hair, signaling renewal. Many will assume the title of “hajj” or “hajja” — a great honor, particularly in more traditional communities. Some paint murals on their homes with images of airplanes, ships and the Kaaba to commemorate the journey.

The final days of Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the festival of sacrifice, a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims around the world to commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith. During the three-day Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.

Sayid Mahdi, who will be in charge of around 2,800 Iranian pilgrims that will perform haj next week, said Saudi Arabia has been more cooperative in finding hotels for Iranians this year.

“We thank God that this is improving,” he said. “God willing we can offer better services to the pilgrims of the holy mosque.”

Saudi Arabia is preparing to host some 2.6 million pilgrims next week for the 2023 haj season after removing all COVID-19 restrictions for the first time since 2019. Iran’s official media said 87,550 of those will be Iranians.

Regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed in March, in a deal brokered by China, to end a diplomatic rift following years of hostility that had fuelled regional conflicts and made it sometimes difficult for Iranians to perform haj and umrah.

Umrah is another form of pilgrimage to Mecca which – unlike haj – can be carried out at any time of the year.

Iran repeatedly criticised how Saudi Arabia runs the pilgrimage and boycotted the annual gathering in 2016 after hundreds of people, many of them Iranians, died in a crush in the previous year. The kingdom said Iran sought to politicize haj.

Iranian pilgrim Mohammed Hossaini landed in Mecca on Thursday, five days before the annual gathering starts, seeking to perform both umrah and haj in one trip.

“I am very happy that relations between the governments of Iran and Saudi Arabia are improving… This will improve Muslims’ travel to the house of God,” Hossaini said in his hotel lobby in Mecca, wearing the pilgrims’ white robes that symbolise purity and equality before God.

Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, is a major source of income for Saudi Arabia from worshippers’ lodging, transport, fees and gifts.

Balloons and haj slogans in Farsi decorated the Al-Mozn hotel where Hossaini, and other pilgrims from the Iranian city of Shiraz, stayed in Mecca.

“Haj will be a Koranic evolution, Islamic convergence and defence of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” read one of the signs, referring to Islam’s third holiest shrine in Jerusalem.

“I witnessed a very good Haj this year. We have come here in complete peace,” said Mojtabi Laliany, another Iranian pilgrim from Mahdi’s campaign.

Mecca (AP) — Muslim pilgrims streamed into the holy city of Mecca on Friday ahead of the start of Hajj next week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale after three years of heavy restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi officials say close to 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country so far, the vast majority by air. More are expected, and hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia will also join them when the pilgrimage officially begins on Monday.

Saudi officials have said they expect the number of pilgrims to reach pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, more than 2.4 million Muslims made the pilgrimage.

On Friday, pilgrims thronged the Grand Mosque in Mecca to attend weekly communal prayers. Many then did a ritual circuit walking seven times around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure inside the Grand Mosque that is Islam’s holiest site. On Thursday night, the vast marble court around the Kaaba was packed with the faithful, walking nearly shoulder to shoulder — in stark contrast to scenes two years ago at the height of the pandemic, when the sparse numbers kept far from each other in the nearly empty court as they walked the circuit.

Pilgrims do the circumambulation, known as “Tawaf” in Arabic, upon arriving in Mecca, and the large crowds circling the Kaaba will last into the Hajj’s first day.

Carrying umbrellas against the sun in temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit) on Friday, pilgrims walked for kilometers (miles) from bus lots into the Grand Mosque area in central Mecca, often jostling with barricades set up by security forces to direct the giant flows of people. Coming from all around the world, many pilgrims converged on nearby shops and malls to buy souvenirs.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. It is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

This year’s pilgrimage will be the first without the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. Fewer than 10,000 pilgrims performed the Hajj in 2020 and around 60,000 in 2021 — all of them residents of Saudi Arabia since pilgrims were forbidden to come from abroad. Last year, around 900,000 made the pilgrimage as Saudi Arabia allowed limited numbers of pilgrims from abroad.

The Saudi media ministry announced Thursday that more than 1.49 million foreign pilgrims had arrived through its international ports by Wednesday, with 1.43 million travelling by air.

The increased number of pilgrims, with the associated surge in international air travel and infrastructure expansion, also raises sustainability concerns, even as the oil giant pursues the goal of getting half its energy from renewable resources by 2030.

Next week, Saudi Arabia hosts the first Hajj pilgrimage without the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. Some 2.5 million people took part in the pilgrimage in 2019, and around 2 million are expected this year.

Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wide-ranging plan to overhaul the kingdom’s economy, known as Vision 2030, 30 million pilgrims would take part in the Hajj and Umrah — a smaller, year-round pilgrimage. That would be an increase of more than 10 million from pre-pandemic levels.

It will require a vast expansion of hotels and other infrastructure in Mecca and Medina, ancient cities already largely obliterated by high-rises and shopping malls. The additional pilgrims will require more long-distance flights, more buses and cars, more water and electricity.

The Associated Press reached out to several Saudi officials with detailed questions but received no response. It’s unclear what, if any, studies the government has done on the environmental impact of the pilgrimage or whether that figures into its plans. And well-intentioned measures, like a high-speed railway network, aren’t enough to remove polluting traffic in and around the holy city.

The trains whip through the arid landscape at top speeds of 300 km/h (186 mph), carrying pilgrims in air-conditioned comfort from Jeddah to Mecca. But they stop several kilometers away from the Grand Mosque, meaning pilgrims must either walk at least an hour or take a bus or car to the holy site. The $19 one-way price from Jeddah’s airport to Mecca may also be out of reach for pilgrims on lower incomes.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims who are able to are required to undertake it at least once in their lives. For pilgrims, retracing the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad is a profound religious experience that wipes away sins, deepens one’s faith and unifies Muslims the world over.

The Saudi royal family’s legitimacy is largely rooted in its custodianship of Islam’s holiest sites and its ability to host one of the largest annual religious gatherings on the planet.

Experts have found that the Hajj both contributes to climate change and will be affected by it in the coming decades as one of the hottest places on Earth gets even warmer.

A study of the 2018 Hajj by experts from Victoria University in Melbourne estimated that the five-day pilgrimage produced over 1.8 million tons of greenhouse gases, roughly the amount New York City emits every two weeks. The biggest contributor was aviation, accounting for 87% of emissions.

Abdullah Abonomi, a Saudi researcher and one of the authors of the study, said Saudi authorities have embraced sustainability as part of Vision 2030, which calls for preserving natural resources in order to attract pilgrims, tourists and businesses.

“Everything has changed,” he said, pointing to the establishment of national centers to coordinate sustainable policies, the creation of an environmental police force to crack down on violations and the integration of sustainability into university courses on tourism.

“If you ask four years ago about sustainability … no one understands what sustainability is,” he said. “But today, everything is going to be better. And I know we are late, but better late than never.”

In the past, he says, cars and buses packed with pilgrims filled the streets around Mecca, belching exhaust into the air, but expansion of the Grand Mosque has led to bigger courtyards and increased pedestrianisation in most of the routes leading to the holy site.

Still, human bottlenecks have replaced traffic, and garbage swirls in clouds of heat. For travel around Mina and Arafat, two crucial Hajj locations, cars and buses remain the two most widespread forms of transport. The journey by foot, in sweltering temperatures, is arduous but can prove faster than four wheels.

In its Hajj ambitions, Saudi Arabia faces managing huge numbers of pilgrims in a rapidly warming world.

During the rituals, pilgrims often walk for hours outside, scale a desert hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, where the prophet is said to have delivered his last sermon, and cast stones at pillars representing the devil in a desert plain. They pack into the Grand Mosque in Mecca to circumambulate the Kaaba. On top of the exertions, the Hajj population skews to the elderly, who are more vulnerable to heat.

On an evening this week around sunset in Mecca, temperatures hovered around 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit). The crowds made it feel hotter, stifling any airflow. In a bustling basement supermarket near the Grand Mosque, pilgrims bought handheld fans that spray water on the face and every kind of umbrella.

A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even if the world succeeds in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, the Hajj would be held in temperatures exceeding an “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052 and from 2079 to 2086.

Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj falls around 11 days earlier each year. In 2030, the Hajj will occur in April, and over the next several years it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder.

In recent years, Saudi authorities have installed large awnings and misters around holy sites to cool pilgrims. As temperatures climb, authorities will likely need to step up such measures or introduce new strategies like limiting pilgrim numbers in higher-heat years, the heat stress study concluded.

“People who want to do Hajj should get the opportunity to do it,” said Elfatih Eltahir, one of the study’s authors. “Global warming is going to make it a little bit more difficult — for some years, for some individuals.”

Muslim activists have launched grassroots initiatives aimed at a “green Hajj,” encouraging pilgrims to only make the journey once, to avoid single-use plastics and to offset carbon emissions by planting trees.

The Hajj “can be green and sustainable if there are smart policies and technology to lower the ecological footprint,” said Odeh Jayyousi, a professor at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain who researches sustainability and innovation.

The use of biodegradable plastics, reusable tents, and renewable energy would cut down on greenhouse gases, he said. Artificial intelligence could be brought to bear on logistics, streamlining travel and ensuring that planes and busses are full and do not spend too much time idling.

“The young generation are mindful of the trade-offs and the need to change consumption patterns,” Jayyousi said. “Hajj can offer a platform for displaying the best green practices to global audiences.”

Jerusalem (Reuters) – Israel said on Monday that hoped-for direct flights to Saudi Arabia for the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage would not happen this year, and played down any prospects of an imminent U.S.-mediated normalisation of relations with Riyadh.

Regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia gave its quiet assent to Gulf neighbours United Arab Emirates and Bahrain forging ties with Israel in 2020. But it has held off on following suit, saying Palestinian statehood goals should be addressed first.

Still, Israeli and U.S. officials had predicted that the kingdom, home to Islam’s two holiest sites, might as a goodwill gesture let members of Israel’s 18% Muslim minority fly in directly for this year’s Hajj.

Riyadh never formally offered that, however.

With the pilgrimage now imminent – June 25 to July 2 – and Israel’s Transport Ministry reporting no airlines applying to run special flights to Saudi destinations, a top aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged they would not happen.

“Perhaps for the next Hajj we will be in a position to help in this matter, and (direct) flights will depart from here,” National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told Kan radio. “But it’s too early to say.”

The Biden administration has described Israeli-Saudi normalisation as a U.S. national security interest.

It is also a major foreign-policy goal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who regained power in December at the head of a hard-right government pledging to close ranks with Arab powers that share Israel’s worries about Iran.

But Hanegbi, in a weekend newspaper interview, said normalisation was “a ways off” because, he argued, it would hinge on addressing strains between Riyadh and Washington.

“Since we thought a Saudi-U.S. agreement was the precursor for any (Israeli) peace deal with Riyadh, we assessed that … it would not have a high chance of being realised,” Hanegbi told Israel Hayom.

A source familiar with the matter said Riyadh wants U.S. support for its civilian nuclear program in exchange for normalisation with Israel – which, for its part, has voiced misgivings over any such quid-pro-quo.

Visiting Saudi Arabia on June 8, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the administration would continue working on normalisation “in the days, weeks and months ahead”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Channel 14 TV he saw a “window of opportunity” through March 2024 for Washington to address Saudi demands for normalisation because after that, “the United States will be deep in the (presidential) election”.