During the Eid Al-Adha celebrations, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed an array of dignitaries, including senior officials, religious leaders, military commanders, and Hajj representatives, at the Mina Palace. Acting on behalf of King Salman, he extended Eid greetings to the citizens, residents, and pilgrims of Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the significant contributions of military personnel, security forces, government employees, and volunteers in ensuring the success and safety of this year’s pilgrimage.
Emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the care of the Two Holy Mosques and sacred sites, the crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to security and stability. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, representatives from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, ministers, and scout groups involved in the Hajj operations. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, speaking for the security services, lauded the successful implementation of this year’s Hajj security plans, attributing it to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in pilgrim services, which has contributed to enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
This year, Saudi Arabia is hosting over 1.7 million pilgrims, with more than 1.54 million arriving from abroad and approximately 160,000 participating from within the Kingdom. Authorities have noted an increase in pilgrim numbers compared to the previous year, facilitated by expanded infrastructure, digital services, and improved crowd-management systems at key holy sites such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
The Makkah Route Initiative, which allows pilgrims to complete immigration and customs procedures before departing their home countries, has been expanded this year to streamline arrivals. Over 441,000 personnel, including security officers, healthcare workers, transport coordinators, and emergency responders, have been mobilized to support Hajj operations and ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the event.
Separately, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman exchanged Eid greetings with leaders across the Islamic world, expressing their hopes for sustained peace, stability, and prosperity among Muslim nations. The celebrations reflect a broader commitment to fostering unity and cooperation throughout the Islamic community during this significant religious occasion.