During the Eid Al-Adha festivities, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed an assembly of high-ranking officials, religious leaders, military commanders, and Hajj representatives at Mina Palace. The gathering was a gesture of appreciation for those aiding this year’s pilgrimage efforts. Acting on behalf of King Salman, the crown prince extended Eid greetings to the Saudi people, residents, and pilgrims, while commending the military, security forces, government workers, and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to serving the pilgrims and ensuring the security of the Kingdom.
Emphasizing the significance of serving the Two Holy Mosques and other sacred sites, Crown Prince Mohammed reiterated Saudi Arabia’s dedication to upholding security and stability. The event saw the attendance of senior officials from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, alongside ministers and scout groups engaged in Hajj operations. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, speaking for the security services, lauded the successful implementation of this year’s Hajj security plans, attributing the enhanced safety and operational efficiency to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investments in pilgrim services.
This year, Saudi Arabia is hosting over 1.7 million pilgrims, with more than 1.54 million arriving from other countries and approximately 160,000 participating from within the Kingdom. Authorities noted an increase in pilgrim numbers compared to the previous year, facilitated by expanded infrastructure, improved digital services, and advanced crowd-management systems at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
The Makkah Route Initiative was also expanded this year, allowing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to complete immigration and customs procedures prior to departing their home countries, thereby streamlining their arrival process. Over 441,000 personnel, including security officers, healthcare workers, transport coordinators, and emergency responders, have been deployed to support Hajj operations and ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
In addition, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman exchanged Eid greetings with leaders across the Islamic world, expressing hopes for sustained peace, stability, and prosperity throughout Muslim nations.