Over 1.5 million Muslims began filling a vast tent city in the holy city of Mecca on Monday for an annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The white-robed pilgrims on buses or on foot arrived at the encampment in Mina after performing the “tawaf” — walking seven times around the Kaaba, the giant black cube at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
This year’s rites, drawing Muslim worshippers from across the world, including Iran, follow waves of Iranian attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors.
Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had traveled from abroad to participate in this year’s Hajj than in 2025.
Saudi authorities have also signaled their readiness to protect this Hajj season. A video posted on social media by the Saudi defense ministry showed advanced air defense batteries positioned on the outskirts of Mecca.
“The air defense forces are responsible for protecting the skies over the holy sites and dealing with all aerial threats, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of the guests,” read the post.
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The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.
During the Hajj, men wear a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasizes unity among believers regardless of their social status or nationality.
Women must wear loose dresses, exposing only their faces and hands.
The first ritual of the Hajj requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the center of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
Pilgrims next walk seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa.
They then move on to Mina, around five kilometers (three miles) away, ahead of the main rite of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat.
On Tuesday, the climax of the Hajj is the gathering on Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometers from Mina, where it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
“I have wanted to perform the pilgrimage my entire life, for 40 or 50 years,” said Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old decked out in the traditional attire from his native Morocco.
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