Over 1.6 million pilgrims perform Hajj in 2025

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the safe and seamless transfer of more than 1.67 million pilgrims to Mount Arafat, the climactic stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, with no security or health incidents reported.

The movement of pilgrims from Mecca and Mina to Arafat was carried out precisely as planned, coordinated through a unified Joint Operations and Dispatching Center that linked regulatory and service agencies in real time.

Modern buses and the Mashair Train ferried pilgrims under strict schedules and heavy security, distributing crowds efficiently across the vast plain of Arafat and avoiding major congestion.

The Ministry credited a comprehensive operational strategy for this year’s incident-free day. Preparations included advanced scenario simulations, readiness checks for field teams, and the use of artificial intelligence to analyze crowd data and dynamically manage flow.

A network of smart cameras and a 24/7 monitoring hub enabled rapid decision-making, while the digital Nusuk card with its integrated QR code helped track pilgrim movement and ensure punctuality.

“This successful transfer sets a new benchmark for Hajj operations and paves the way for the remaining rituals,” the ministry said in a statement.

Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of Mecca and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, commended the calm, spiritual atmosphere. Speaking from Arafat,he said: “We are honored by God to serve His sacred sites. It is a great responsibility that we must carry out with sincerity.”

As the sun set on Arafat Day, pilgrims began their journey to Muzdalifah, where they gathered pebbles and prepared for the next rites of Hajj, stoning the Jamarat and sacrificing animals at Mina. Throughout, Saudi authorities maintained extensive support: medical services, cooling stations, and crowd guidance remained in place, helping shield pilgrims from the heat, which climbed above 40°C.

Earlier in the day, Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, imam of the Grand Mosque, delivered the Arafat sermon at Namira Mosque, his words broadcast globally in 35 languages. Pilgrims, united in their devotion, stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer and supplication, retracing traditions that reach back to the Prophet Muhammad’s farewell Hajj.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE