Iran to send 30,000 pilgrims for Hajj to Saudi Arabia
First coordinated Hajj arrangement in years sees Iranian pilgrims travel under joint Tehran-Riyadh logistics deal
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Iran is to send around 30,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, in a rare example of continued practical cooperation between the two regional rivals, according to Iranian officials.
The announcement was made by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), citing Akbar Rezaei, deputy head of Hajj and Umrah affairs at Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation.
He said departures are expected to begin imminently, with the first groups due to arrive in the holy city of Medina on Monday, 27 April.
The arrangements, he said, were made following coordination with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and involved a series of logistical agreements covering transport, accommodation and services for Iranian pilgrims.
Rezaei said preparations included contracts with specialist service providers to manage the pilgrimage from departure through to return, as well as a restructuring of group allocations through an updated electronic registration system.
Iranian authorities say 236 new pilgrimage groups have been added to the official platform ahead of the season.
On the ground, preparations are already under way in Saudi Arabia, where Iranian pilgrimage teams are working alongside local authorities, as well as diplomatic staff from Iran’s embassy and consulates, to coordinate arrangements.
Officials say 16 hotels have been allocated in Medina and 24 in Mecca to accommodate Iranian pilgrims, with improved accommodation standards and an extended average stay of around a week in Medina.
Medical teams will accompany pilgrims throughout the journey, providing healthcare support during the pilgrimage period.
Rezaei said flights were ready to operate pending final civil aviation approvals, though contingency arrangements have also been made for overland transport if required.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims from around the world, often requires extensive coordination between Saudi authorities and participating countries, even in periods of political tension.
While relations between Tehran and Riyadh have fluctuated over the years, the agreement to facilitate this year’s pilgrimage highlights continued practical engagement in managing one of Islam’s most significant religious obligations.
With additional information from Gulf News
SPONSORED
SPONSORED
