During the Eid Al-Adha celebrations, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed senior officials, religious leaders, military commanders, and Hajj representatives at Mina Palace, acknowledging their contributions to this year’s pilgrimage. Acting on behalf of King Salman, the crown prince extended his greetings to Saudi citizens, residents, and pilgrims, while commending military personnel, security forces, government workers, and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring the Kingdom’s safety.
Highlighting the significance of their mission, the crown prince reiterated that serving the Two Holy Mosques and the sacred sites is among Saudi Arabia’s highest priorities. He assured that the Kingdom remains dedicated to maintaining security and stability. The event was attended by senior officials, including delegates from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, ministers, and scout groups involved in Hajj operations.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, speaking on behalf of the security services, praised the successful execution of this year’s Hajj security plans. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in services for pilgrims has significantly 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 reported an increase in pilgrim numbers compared to last year, facilitated by expanded infrastructure, digital services, and improved crowd-management systems at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The Makkah Route Initiative has also been expanded this year, allowing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to complete immigration and customs procedures before leaving their home countries, streamlining the arrival process.
In total, more than 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 pilgrims. Additionally, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman exchanged Eid greetings with leaders throughout the Islamic world, expressing hopes for sustained peace, stability, and prosperity across Muslim nations.