Haj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite tensions in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia says more than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived from abroad, ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha celebrations next week. The figure has surpassed last year’s international visitor numbers despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Major Gulf carriers in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain have restored much of their operations after weeks of airspace closures and flight cancellations. Even with the disruptions, pilgrims have continued to stream into the kingdom ahead of the hajj, which formally begins on Monday. Saudi authorities say more arrivals are expected over the next two days. The pilgrimage comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran.