Redeveloped Dhu al-Hulayfah Miqat in Medina Begins Receiving Hajj Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Pilgrims travelling through Medina for the 2026 Hajj have begun arriving at the redeveloped Dhu al-Hulayfah Miqat, following the completion of a major upgrade aimed at enhancing service delivery and easing the spiritual transition into the pilgrimage rites.
The site, also widely known as Abyar Ali, serves as a critical entry point where pilgrims enter into the state of Ihram before proceeding to Mecca for the Hajj.
Authorities said the redevelopment forms part of a broader strategy to accommodate the growing volume of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims while improving operational efficiency across key religious transit points.
The upgraded facility now features expanded prayer areas to handle larger congregations, alongside modernized ablution and shower facilities designed to streamline preparations for Ihram.
In addition, enhanced walkways and upgraded digital infrastructure have been introduced to improve crowd flow management and provide pilgrims with better guidance and access to services.
Given its strategic importance as the designated Miqat for pilgrims arriving from or transiting through Medina, the improvements are expected to directly impact millions of worshippers annually, reducing congestion and elevating the overall pilgrimage experience.
The development aligns with ongoing efforts by Saudi authorities to modernize pilgrimage infrastructure, ensuring that the increasing number of visitors can perform their religious obligations with greater ease, safety, and comfort.
