The spiritual journey of Hajj 2025 has officially begun with the arrival of the first group of pilgrims by sea at the Jeddah Islamic Port. On Wednesday, hundreds of Sudanese pilgrims were welcomed as they disembarked at the port, marking a significant and symbolic commencement of the Hajj season for Muslims around the world. This moment represents the deep spiritual commitment and enduring tradition of Muslims who travel great distances to fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam.
The group arrived from Sudan aboard a passenger ship equipped to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims, with safety and comfort being paramount throughout the voyage. Their arrival was met with a warm reception by officials from the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and other government agencies working in unison to ensure a smooth and organized Hajj experience.
The Jeddah Islamic Port, one of the key maritime gateways for pilgrims traveling to the holy cities, has undergone considerable enhancements in recent years. These improvements include upgraded terminal facilities, expanded customs processing, and enhanced health screening protocols to provide an efficient and safe entry process for pilgrims arriving by sea.
In line with the Vision 2030 objectives, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in improving the pilgrim experience. This includes seamless coordination between port authorities, health officials, transport agencies, and religious organizations to provide not only logistical support but also spiritual guidance to pilgrims throughout their journey.
Upon arrival, the Sudanese pilgrims underwent routine health checks as part of precautionary measures aimed at ensuring public health and safety during the pilgrimage. Ambulances and medical teams were on standby, with volunteers assisting elderly and disabled pilgrims as they disembarked.
Saudi authorities, recognizing the diversity of the pilgrims arriving from across the globe, have also provided multilingual support, signage, and translation services to assist non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims. The spirit of hospitality and the commitment to serving the Guests of Allah remain central to the Kingdom’s efforts during the Hajj season.
This year’s pilgrimage holds special significance, as it continues to see a resurgence in global participation following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions over the past few years. The arrival of pilgrims by sea harks back to a centuries-old tradition, where sea routes were once the primary means of travel for those coming from Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.
Sudan, historically connected to Saudi Arabia through maritime travel across the Red Sea, has long used Jeddah Islamic Port as a primary entry point for pilgrims. The arrival of this group underscores the continuing relevance of sea travel for Hajj, especially for nations with strong nautical ties to the Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi officials have reiterated their commitment to serving every pilgrim with dignity, compassion, and efficiency. The coordination witnessed at the port is just the beginning of a broader, nationwide mobilization effort that spans airports, roads, and railways leading to Makkah and Madinah.
In the coming days and weeks, more pilgrims are expected to arrive from around the world by land, air, and sea. Each arrival, whether by ship or plane, marks a deeply personal spiritual quest that contributes to the rich tapestry of the global Islamic community united in faith and devotion.
As the Sudanese pilgrims continue their journey toward Makkah, they carry with them the prayers, hopes, and dreams of millions. Their arrival at the Jeddah Islamic Port is not only a logistical milestone but a powerful reminder of the unity and dedication that defines the Hajj.
With preparations in full swing and a warm welcome extended to every guest, the Kingdom stands ready to once again host one of the largest and most sacred gatherings on Earth — a testament to its commitment to the service of Islam and the pilgrims who embody its spirit.
