Pilgrims performing Hajj began arriving in Mina on Sunday evening to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the start of the annual Hajj rituals amid extensive organizational and service preparations by Saudi authorities.

The rites officially begin on Monday, the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, as pilgrims prepare to continue their journey to the plains of Arafat.

Authorities deployed more than 24,000 buses under a comprehensive transportation plan aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims along designated routes.

Mina, located about seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque in Makkah between Makkah and Muzdalifah, is one of the main holy sites where pilgrims spend much of the Hajj period. The valley is bordered by mountains and serves as a temporary accommodation site exclusively during the pilgrimage season.

The large-scale arrangements are part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the rituals and provide pilgrims with the highest levels of safety, comfort and organization throughout their spiritual journey.