Hajj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war

risingnepaldaily.com · 3 days ago

Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming hajj, exceeding last year's international visitor numbers despite the ongoing war in the Middle East. The conflict, triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, led to air traffic disruptions and increased travel costs, but pilgrims have continued to arrive. The total number of pilgrims is expected to rise further before the formal rituals begin.