Karbala Governor Anticipates Over 25 Million Visitors for Arbaeen Pilgrimage

The Governor of Karbala, Naseef Jassim Al-Khatabi, has projected that the number of visitors participating in this year’s commemoration of the holy Husseini Arbaeen pilgrimage will exceed 25 million. He emphasized that the city is undergoing extensive preparations to accommodate this large influx of visitors.

In a statement reported by the “Shia Waves Agency,” Al-Khatabi outlined that the province’s preparations encompass various aspects, primarily focusing on security and service provisions. He noted that local departments, including municipal services, have deployed new mechanisms and essential supplies to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds smoothly and comfortably.

The governor mentioned that seven large parking areas, including Umm Al-Hawa Area, the Peace Bridge, and Al-Wand, have been designated for transporting visitors to and from the city. Additionally, new routes, such as the Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) roundabout, have been established to facilitate visitor movement.

Al-Khatabi added that the pilgrimage will last for more than ten days, predicting that this year will witness an influx of over 25 million visitors, underscoring the significant importance of this religious occasion. He confirmed that preparations also include the provision of essential services such as water, food, and first aid, along with improvements to infrastructure and the expansion of roads to ensure smooth traffic flow.

He further noted that security and service plans will commence in the middle of this week, with stringent security measures being implemented to ensure the safety of visitors and provide the highest levels of security. This initiative is being coordinated with various security and service agencies to create a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees.

Earlier, Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari announced that the security plan for the pilgrimage would begin on the first of Safar, emphasizing the importance of security and service preparations to ensure the success of the event and the safety of the visitors.