Makkah: (The Cow News Digital) The Hajj season 2026 has officially begun in Saudi Arabia as pilgrims from around the world continue to arrive in the Kingdom through air, land, and sea routes, marking the start of one of the largest annual religious gatherings globally.
According to Saudi media reports, a group of Sudanese pilgrims became the first sea-arriving contingent to reach the Islamic Port of Jeddah on Friday. Upon arrival, the pilgrims were directly transported to Makkah for the next stages of their Hajj journey.
The pilgrims from the Republic of Sudan traditionally travel to Saudi Arabia via maritime routes, and their arrival at Jeddah Islamic Port is considered a key part of the Hajj logistics system.
Saudi authorities have made extensive arrangements at the port to facilitate smooth immigration processing and ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims. The General Directorate of Passports, known as Saudi General Directorate of Passports, has set up dedicated counters at the port to accelerate immigration procedures and reduce waiting times.
Officials stated that the aim is to provide fast-track services for all arriving pilgrims, regardless of whether they enter the Kingdom via air, land, or sea. Advanced technologies have also been deployed this year to enhance efficiency and streamline entry procedures.
In addition, immigration staff have been trained in multiple languages to ensure effective communication with pilgrims from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This initiative is intended to minimize delays and improve overall service quality during the busy Hajj season.
Pilgrims arriving from Sudan expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, praising the smooth immigration process and hospitality provided upon arrival. Many stated that they experienced no delays and described the services as well-organized and efficient.
Saudi authorities have also implemented enhanced logistical measures across major entry points, including Jeddah, Madinah, and other key locations, as part of preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
The Hajj season is one of the most significant religious events in the Islamic calendar, drawing millions of Muslims from across the globe to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Officials expect the number of arrivals to increase steadily in the coming days as more pilgrims reach the Kingdom ahead of the main Hajj rituals.
