Iranian Pilgrims to Begin Hajj Journey Next Week, Says Official
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Alireza Bayat said preparations are complete for the departure of Iranian pilgrims to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia. “The Hajj operation will begin on May 5 and continue until May 31. Pilgrims will travel over a 27-day period,” he said.
According to Bayat, around 4,000 Iranian pilgrims will depart each day, with return flights scheduled to be completed within 20 days. Both Iran Air and Saudi Arabia’s Flynas will be involved in transporting pilgrims. This year, 575 pilgrim groups have been organized, with 58% traveling to Medina first and 42% traveling to Mecca first.
Bayat shared demographic details of the pilgrims, noting that 54% are women and 46% are men. “About 51% of the pilgrims are under the age of 55,” he said.
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Regarding logistics, Bayat said four central kitchens—two in Mecca and two in Medina—will provide over seven million meals. Pilgrims will stay five nights in Medina, he said.
He also addressed past issues related to transporting Zamzam water. “This year, each pilgrim will receive five liters of Zamzam water in standard containers, which will be delivered upon their return to Iran,” Bayat said.
Accommodation arrangements include 19 hotels in Medina, all near the Prophet’s Mosque, and 57 hotels in Mecca. “Given the distance from some hotels to Masjid al-Haram, a 24-hour shuttle service will be available,” he added.
Bayat noted the limited space available in Mina, where each pilgrim is allocated approximately 90 centimeters in shared tents. “We ask pilgrims to be mindful of one another. With temperatures expected to exceed 52°C, we’ve signed a cooling contract with a Saudi company to improve comfort during the stay,” he said. “We’re aiming for a more satisfactory experience this year.”
Earlier, it was announced that some 85,000 Iranians will perform Hajj rituals this year.
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Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied and financially able Muslim is obliged to undertake at least once during their lifetime.
The annual pilgrimage is regarded as one of the pillars of Islam and the largest act of mass pilgrimage in the world.
It is also a demonstration of Muslims’ unity and their submission to Allah.
