The holy valley of Mina transformed into one of the world’s largest temporary cities on Monday as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims began arriving for the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the official start of the core rituals of Hajj 2026. Located east of Mecca, Mina rapidly evolved from a quiet valley into a highly coordinated […]
Rare Sun Alignment Above Kaaba on Day of Arafat After 33 Years
A rare astronomical event is set to coincide with one of Islam’s holiest days this year as the sun will align directly above the Kaaba on the Day of Arafat, a phenomenon astronomers say occurs only once every 33 years. According to astronomers and Saudi officials, the alignment will take place at noon on May […]
More Pilgrims Arrive for Hajj 2026 Than 2025 Despite Gulf Conflict
Saudi Arabia has received more than 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad ahead of Hajj 2026, Saudi officials said, as millions continue arriving despite months of regional instability and air travel disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. According to Saudi authorities, the number of international pilgrims has already exceeded last year’s foreign arrivals before the […]