Hajj 2025 Begins With Over 1.3 Million Pilgrims Amid Safety, Visa Changes

The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage commenced with millions of Muslims gathering in Mina, Saudi Arabia, marking the formal start of the rituals on the Day of Tarwiyah. Saudi authorities have implemented significant changes this year, including a controversial ban on children accompanying pilgrims to enhance safety following previous incidents, and prioritized first-time pilgrims. Infrastructure improvements such as expanded transportation services, including the Haramain High-Speed Railway and the mandatory Nusuk digital identification card, have been introduced to manage the large crowds and ensure smooth performance of rituals amid soaring summer temperatures. The pilgrimage sites of Mina and Arafat hold deep religious and historical significance, being places associated with Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad and earlier Islamic pledges. Saudi Arabia is also leveraging the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to boost religious tourism, with ambitious development projects like Rua Al Madinah and the Masar project aimed at expanding hotel capacity and supporting the kingdom's Vision 2030 goals to attract millions more religious tourists annually. Officials and scholars emphasize the spiritual importance of Hajj while addressing logistical challenges to provide a safe and enriching experience for pilgrims worldwide.