Saudi Arabia is preparing to close Hajj entries at midnight on Friday, May 22, 2026, with approximately 80 percent of the expected 1.7 million pilgrims having already arrived in the holy lands. Early arrivals are splitting their time between Medina and Mecca, completing their initial Tawaf before the mass journey to Mount Arafat on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. To safely manage the overwhelming crowds during peak hours, authorities have introduced protective plastic barriers around the Kaaba’s Black Stone and Multazam for the first time. As the core pilgrimage days approach, worshippers are bracing for intense heat, though temperatures are expected to slightly drop to 41 degrees Celsius during the Arafat standing. The monumental spiritual gathering is being extensively documented by nearly 3,000 journalists from 150 international media outlets, broadcasting the historic event to the world.
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