More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from abroad for this year's Hajj, surpassing last year's international attendance despite the ongoing war in the Middle East. The conflict, sparked by strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran, led to airspace closures, travel disruptions and rising costs, but arrivals are expected to increase further before the pilgrimage officially begins.

Saudi authorities confirmed that 1,518,153 pilgrims from outside the kingdom had entered as of late Friday. Last year, a total of 1,673,320 pilgrims participated, including 1,506,576 from abroad. Airlines across the Gulf have worked to restore operations after weeks of cancellations and closures.

Many pilgrims said their faith outweighed fears of instability, even as some governments advised citizens to reconsider travel. Worshippers from countries including the United States, Australia, Germany and Britain described feeling anxious but determined, viewing the pilgrimage as a once in a lifetime spiritual obligation not to be missed.