Huge numbers of Muslim pilgrims on Tuesday gathered on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as the Hajj pilgrimage reached its spiritual climax, marking one of the most significant moments in the annual Islamic rites.

From early morning, thousands of worshippers dressed in white ascended the 70-metre rocky hill near Mecca, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon, to offer prayers and recite Quranic verses.

The pilgrims were supported by volunteers who distributed water, food, and sun protection materials as temperatures rose close to 40°C, with helicopters monitoring the massive gathering from above.

One pilgrim, an Egyptian engineer, described the experience as deeply emotional, calling it a lifelong dream fulfilled amid the intense heat and large crowds.

Over 1.5 million pilgrims are participating in this year’s Hajj, despite regional tensions linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected travel patterns for some countries, including Iran.

Saudi authorities deployed over 50,000 healthcare workers and thousands of ambulances to manage heat-related risks, especially after previous years saw severe casualties linked to extreme temperatures.

After the Mount Arafat prayers, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah for overnight worship and collection of pebbles ahead of the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina.