Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage to begin August 30

Event

The Hajj - an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that most Muslims make at least once in their lifetime - is set to begin on Wednesday, August 30, and last until Monday, September 4. The five-day pilgrimage period includes the celebration of Eid al-Adha, a feast day of sacrifice in the Islamic calendar. Following the sighting of the moon, Saudi authorities announced that Eid al-Adha will fall on September 1 this year.

Over 2 million Muslim worshippers are expected to arrive before the start of the Hajj. Significant transportation delays and congestion, particularly at airports and the area surrounding Mecca, should be anticipated. An increased security presence across the country should be expected until the conclusion of the Hajj as well.

Context

Due to overcrowding and the mass influx of visitors to the country, the security situation in Mecca and its surrounding areas can become destabilized during the pilgrimage period. In 2015, more than 2000 pilgrims died in a stampede during the Hajj. Similar incidents involving stampedes and trampled pilgrims have also occurred in past years.

It should be noted that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the cities of Mecca and Medina.

Advice

Individuals present in Saudi Arabia are advised to exercise caution at all times and avoid large crowds, especially during the Hajj period.

Additionally, given the prevailing terrorist risk in Saudi Arabia, those present in the country are advised to avoid public places deemed particularly likely to be targeted in the event of an attack (e.g., official buildings, military zones) and report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.