Despite Middle East war, foreign pilgrims flock to Mecca for hajj
Summary
Despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. This number surpasses last year's international visitor count, even though air travel disruptions and higher costs have made travel more difficult.Key Facts
- Over 1.5 million pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia have come for this year’s hajj.
- This number is higher than last year’s 1.5 million foreign pilgrims.
- The Middle East war began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by strikes on Saudi Arabia.
- Air traffic was disrupted in the Gulf region, causing travel delays and increased costs.
- Airlines from the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain restored many flights after initial closures.
- The hajj will officially start soon, with more pilgrims expected to arrive before it begins.
- Hajj is a required religious pilgrimage for Muslims who can afford it.
- The hajj takes place in Mecca, which is Islam's holiest city.
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