Millions Begin Sacred Journey to Mount Arafat

The massive transfer of approximately two million Hajj pilgrims from Mecca to the foothills of Mount Arafat has officially begun ahead of the pilgrimage’s most critical ritual. In a major logistical update this year, Saudi officials are using digital visa cards to individually scan and verify passengers as they board buses, significantly streamlining transit through regional security checkpoints. Despite scorching temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius, authorities are working to ensure pilgrim safety by providing specialized medical transport and fully air-conditioned tents for the immense crowds. Following their day of profound spiritual reflection at Arafat, the faithful will travel to Muzdalifah to prepare for the symbolic stoning of the devil, marking the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday.