Saudi Arabia this year went ahead with the annual Hajj pilgrimage even as it faces a regional military confrontation that has included strikes and drone activity affecting Saudi territory. About 1.5 million pilgrims were expected for the rites in Mecca, held May 25–29, down slightly from recent years when attendance reached roughly 1.7–1.8 million.
The Hajj is one of the world’s largest annual gatherings: a religious obligation for Muslims who are able to attend at least once in their lifetime. Over more than 14 centuries it has been canceled or restricted only on a few dozen occasions; the most recent large-scale limitation was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Managing the congregation remains a complex logistical and security task. Saudi authorities use a ticket lottery for international pilgrims, coordinate transport and accommodation, provide water, food and medical care, and maintain tight security at pilgrimage sites while coping with extreme heat that has previously proven deadly.
This year’s organization has been complicated by an escalating regional conflict that began in late February, after attacks on Iran and subsequent Iranian reprisals that have targeted Gulf states and Israel. A ceasefire is in place but fragile: Saudi forces recently reported intercepting several drones they said were likely launched by pro-Iran militias in Iraq.
Governments including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and other European states issued travel advisories or urged citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. The U.S. also ordered non-emergency government employees to leave the country in early March. Despite those warnings, many pilgrims continued with long-planned journeys. Muslim community leaders note that Hajj preparations often take more than a year and represent significant financial and emotional commitments, making cancellation unlikely for many.
Some countries that initially hesitated later allowed pilgrims to proceed. Indonesia, for example, asked citizens to delay departures in March but ultimately sent some 221,000 pilgrims after approving evacuation contingencies and dispatching officials to assist services on the ground. Iran is sending a reduced contingent this year—around 30,000 pilgrims compared with typical numbers closer to 87,000—yet experts say it is unlikely Tehran would deliberately target the Hajj, since the holy sites are sacred to Muslims worldwide and would be a politically costly target for a theocratic state.
Security experts emphasize, however, that even without intent to strike pilgrimage sites, war-related accidents and miscalculations pose risks. Saudi Arabia has reinforced defenses around Mecca and other holy sites, displaying Patriot missile batteries and promoting a layered air-defense posture that includes high-altitude interceptors and anti-drone laser systems. Analysts warn, though, that intercepting incoming missiles or drones can scatter debris over several square kilometers. During Hajj, much of the area within a wide radius of the Grand Mosque is densely packed with pilgrims, so falling debris from intercepts or wayward drones could cause casualties even if the original target was elsewhere. Commentators have also raised remote scenarios—such as damage to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility—whereby fallout could affect Saudi Arabia and its visitors without direct targeting of holy sites.
The conflict has also driven up logistical and financial pressures. Higher jet fuel prices and disrupted air routes have increased flight costs. Some governments have absorbed those additional expenses for pilgrims; others have passed increases on. Media reports cited an example in which India’s Hajj organizing body added roughly $100 to ticket costs for each pilgrim, while Indonesia reportedly agreed to cover extra charges for its nationals. Airlines have canceled certain Middle East routes and rerouted flights to avoid restricted airspace, often lengthening journeys and raising fares.
Travel insurance—which Saudi Arabia requires for overseas pilgrims—has become more complicated. Standard policies frequently exclude claims arising from armed conflict, and conflict-inclusive coverage is pricier. Several Muslim-majority governments have tried to negotiate better insurance terms for their citizens, but without wartime clauses pilgrims may be liable for costs from injuries, evacuations or flight changes linked to fighting.
Despite the precautions and uncertainties, many pilgrims described strong determination to complete the religious duty. Authorities worked to maintain services and security throughout the rites, balancing the spiritual significance of Hajj with the practical challenges posed by an unpredictable regional security environment.