Saudi Welcomes First Wave of Iranian Hajj Pilgrims in Medina
The first wave of Hajj pilgrims from Iran arrived in the city of Medina on Monday, April 27, 2026, and were welcomed by Saudi authorities in an official ceremony. The 260 pilgrims from Golestan Province immediately checked into the Peninsula Worth Hotel, then performed the Isha prayer and visited the Prophet's Mosque. Representative of the Iranian Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, Nasser Hoveyzavi, appreciated this warm welcome, while the Head of the Medina Headquarters, Mohammad Amin Rahmani, expressed hope for smooth worship proceedings.
By Friday, May 1, 2026, over 6,500 Iranian pilgrims had arrived in Medina via 53 flight batches and were accommodated in nine prepared hotels. The arrival process was carried out gradually, with intensive coordination regarding logistics, accommodation, and transportation to support the pilgrimage's smooth execution.
A total of approximately 30,672 Iranian pilgrims and service personnel are scheduled to depart for the Holy Land this year, with around 28,000 having already obtained visas. After a seven-day stay in Medina, they will continue their journey to Mecca. The arrival of these Iranian pilgrims has drawn attention amid the reopening of flight routes between the two countries, signaling positive developments in diplomatic relations.
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