Head of Hajj Mission: Pilgrims begin journey to Arafat

CAIRO – 25 May 2026: The Assistant Minister of Interior for Administrative Affairs and Head of the Executive Committee of the Ministerial Hajj Committee announced the commencement of transporting pilgrims to Mount Arafat.

He explained that the transportation process began at dawn using 522 modern, air-conditioned buses equipped with GPS tracking systems and restrooms.

The official confirmed the presence of a representative from the bus transportation company in the lottery-based Hajj Mission’s operations room in Mecca to monitor bus routes during the transport of pilgrims to Arafat, their movement to Muzdalifah, and their arrival at camps in Mina.

This measure is intended to ensure that drivers adhere to designated routes and receive guidance in the event of deviations. He added that a sufficient number of reserve buses are available for immediate deployment in the event of sudden breakdowns.

He also noted that the drivers were selected from permanent staff in the Kingdom rather than seasonal workers, ensuring their familiarity with the roads and routes.

The official also revealed that two specially equipped buses were allocated to transport people with disabilities to the holy sites of Arafat and Mina. The buses are equipped with automatic wheelchair lifts and feature a single row of seats to facilitate wheelchair access.

He emphasized that, given the high temperatures expected this year, it was agreed to equip pilgrims’ camps in Arafat and Mina with a large number of fans in addition to high-capacity air-conditioning units.

The Head of the Executive Committee of the Ministerial Hajj Committee reiterated his appeal to pilgrims to remain in their camps during the Day of Arafah, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke, especially amid forecasts predicting temperatures of around 50°C.

He added that, for the first time this year, television screens have been installed inside pilgrims’ camps in Arafat, alongside internal radio broadcasts that enable pilgrims to follow the Arafah sermon without crowding at Namira Mosque, reducing the risk of heatstroke.

He further urged all pilgrims to use umbrellas provided by the Hajj mission and to drink plenty of water and fluids regularly, stressing the importance of wearing face masks in crowded areas.

Pilgrims performing Hajj were also urged to wear the “Nusk” smart card and wristband they received, which contain their personal information, accommodation details in the Holy Land, and the mission’s contact numbers. They were advised to wear the card displaying their assigned tent and sofa-bed numbers in Mina to help them locate their tents and avoid getting lost.

Earlier, the Assistant Minister of Interior for Administrative Affairs and Head of the Executive Committee of the Ministerial Hajj Committee urged pilgrims not to carry large luggage while in the Holy Sites, as it would occupy space in the camps and take up from the area allocated to each pilgrim. Only the bag provided by the Hajj mission for personal belongings and medications should be used, and valuables should be left in room safes or hotel lockers.

Pilgrims were instructed to avoid pushing and crowding while boarding buses, as each pilgrim has a designated seat. In addition, they were advised to refrain from actions or behaviors incompatible with the sanctity of the Holy Sites, which could offend Egyptian pilgrims and expose violators to legal accountability.