The Kurdistan Regional Government sent its second convoy of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Monday, with 951 devotees from Erbil, Duhok, Soran, and Zakho beginning their overland journey to the holy cities. This follows Sunday’s departure of pilgrims from Sulaymaniyah province, marking significant progress in the region’s comprehensive 2025 pilgrimage operations.
Pilgrimage Operations in Full Swing
Sheikh Niaz Ragab Naqshbandi, Director General of Hajj and Umrah for Kurdistan, confirmed that 4,685 of the region’s total 5,136 allocated pilgrims have now departed for Saudi Arabia through coordinated land and air operations. The remaining pilgrims are expected to complete their journey by May 28.
The pilgrimage is being conducted through multiple phases. Land travelers, totaling 1,645 pilgrims, departed on May 16-17 via overland routes through the Parwez crossing, with an overnight stop in Karbala before proceeding to the Arar border. Air operations began May 19 from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah international airports, transporting 3,491 pilgrims with flights continuing through May 28.
Government Support Reduces Financial Burden
The Kurdistan Regional Government allocated 4.2 billion Iraqi dinars to subsidize this year’s Hajj operations, significantly reducing costs for participating families. Pilgrims pay 5.5 million dinars for overland travel and 7 million dinars for air travel, with government subsidies helping make the spiritual journey more accessible.
In a major financial relief measure, Rashid Bank designated specific branches to sell US dollars to pilgrims at the official exchange rate of 132,000 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars, compared to higher market rates. Each pilgrim can exchange up to $2,000 at this preferential rate, saving approximately 11,000 dinars per 100 dollars exchanged.
Enhanced Digital Services for Modern Pilgrims
This year’s pilgrimage features unprecedented communication support through a partnership with Kenan company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s STC telecommunications. All Kurdistan pilgrims receive complimentary internet and phone SIM cards containing five gigabytes of data and 120 minutes of calling time.
Karwan Stuni, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah, explained that land travelers receive their SIM cards at the Arar border gate, while air travelers get them upon arrival in Mecca. Additionally, each pilgrim bus is equipped with internet routers serving up to 30 passengers simultaneously.
Regional Context and Broader Hajj Operations
The Kurdistan Region’s pilgrimage occurs within extensive regional Hajj arrangements. Iraqi pilgrimage statistics show 21,000 Iraqi pilgrims have already reached Saudi Arabia this year. Neighboring Iran has sent over 61,739 pilgrims—representing 70 percent of Iran and East Kurdistan’s allocation—through 421 convoys and 252 flights over the past 20 days.
Iranian operations include 211 flights by Iranian carriers and 41 by Saudi airlines, following a December memorandum of understanding between Iran and Saudi Arabia to expand pilgrim numbers and strengthen cultural cooperation. Approximately 87,000 pilgrims from Iran and East Kurdistan are expected to perform Hajj in 2025.
Sheikh Naqshbandi emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s dedication to providing enhanced facilities and services that distinguish this year’s pilgrimage operations. The comprehensive support system, from financial subsidies to digital connectivity, reflects the regional government’s commitment to ensuring a meaningful and well-supported spiritual journey for all participating Kurdish families.
The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage represents one of the Kurdistan Region’s most organized and technologically supported religious operations to date, combining traditional spiritual devotion with modern logistical excellence.
