Pilgrims gather in Mecca for Hajj rites
Saudi Arabia boosts safety and heat measures for large crowds
Muslim pilgrims have converged on Mecca as the annual Hajj pilgrimage enters its main phase, with thousands gathering at the Grand Mosque to perform core rites including Tawaf around the Kaaba. Crowds moved in coordinated flows under measures put in place by Saudi authorities to manage access, safety and crowd control, while pilgrims recited prayers and expressed deep spiritual reflection at the start of their rites.
Saudi officials said final preparations are underway to accommodate what is expected to be one of the larger Hajj seasons in recent years, with expanded deployments of security personnel, medical teams, volunteers and transport services. Authorities emphasized heat management, hydration stations and emergency medical response among priority measures to protect participants from the region’s extreme temperatures and the physical demands of the pilgrimage.
The quota system agreed in 1987 by members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation remains in effect, limiting the number of pilgrims each country may send to 0.1% of its population. Many pilgrims described smooth journeys and emotional moments upon arrival; some noted gratitude for being able to perform the rites, which include Ihram, Tawaf and Sa’i, and culminate at the plain of Arafat before Eid al-Adha, the festival that marks the climax of the pilgrimage.
Officials are maintaining heightened logistical coordination across the holy sites to ensure orderly movement between Mecca and nearby ritual locations, and urged cooperation with safety guidelines. Organizers continue urging pilgrims to follow health advice and use available services as millions undertake the sacred journey that has deep religious significance and represents one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world.
