SAUDI ARABIA, 15 June 2025 – Between 4 and 9 June 2025, Saudi Arabia once again became the heart of the Muslim world, as it welcomed a remarkable 1,673,230 pilgrims from across the globe for Hajj. This sacred gathering, rooted in centuries of faith, saw Muslims from over 150 countries united in one shared spiritual journey, converging in Mecca to fulfil one of Islam’s fundamental pillars.

Over 1.5 million Muslims were international pilgrims, while 166,654 were domestic participants. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the pilgrims included 877,841 men and 795,389 women — a testament to the diverse yet unified nature of this spiritual experience.

Meticulous Planning Behind the Sacred Journey

Hosting such a vast and diverse congregation is no small feat. The Saudi authorities undertook extensive preparations to ensure the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of every pilgrim.

• Healthcare Infrastructure: Over 50,000 healthcare professionals were mobilised, alongside seven new hospitals and a 60% expansion in emergency services — ensuring round-the-clock care for pilgrims.
• Safety and Crowd Control: Strict entry requirements were enforced, allowing only those with official Hajj permits. Children under 12 were restricted for their safety. AI-powered drones like “Saqr” provided real-time surveillance to manage crowds effectively.
• Smart Pilgrimage Tools: From the Nusuk digital platform for visa and travel to live translations of sermons in 35 languages, technology was harnessed to deepen pilgrims’ engagement and ease logistical concerns.
• Climate Comfort: With Hajj taking place during summer, authorities expanded shaded areas by 50,000 square metres and deployed over 400 cooling units, along with heat awareness campaigns.

Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience

These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to welcome 30 million pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah. The Pilgrim Experience Programme seeks to enhance every aspect of the pilgrimage — from accessibility and hospitality to infrastructure and innovation.

While Hajj is primarily a spiritual endeavour, it also significantly contributes to the Kingdom’s economy, generating an estimated USD10–15 billion annually, with Umrah adding a further USD4–5 billion. Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in religious tourism highlights its role as a global leader in pilgrimage facilitation.

As Hajj 2025 concludes, preparations for Hajj 2026 are already underway — a reflection of the Kingdom’s continuous devotion to serving the global Muslim community.

Source: The Halal Times.