Preparations Intensify to facilitate the Millions-Strong Arbaeen 2025 Pilgrimage
As millions of pilgrims prepare for the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala, significant efforts are underway in Iran and Iraq to facilitate the massive religious gathering, scheduled for August 14 this year, local news agencies reported.
On July 12, 2025, the Karbala Center for Studies and Research, affiliated with the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), held a preparatory meeting to finalize arrangements for the upcoming Ninth International Scientific Conference on the Arbaeen Pilgrimage.
Hamedan province in Iran has launched 224 Mookebs (service centers) to assist pilgrims. Construction efforts around the holy shrines in Karbala and Najaf are progressing, with the 220,000-square-meter Hazrat Zahra (peace be upon her) courtyard in Najaf now complete. The Aqila Bani Hashem (peace be upon her) courtyard in Karbala is 80 percent complete and is expected to finish by March 2027. These projects are largely funded by public donations from Iran, including unprecedented copper brick contributions.
Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization has initiated registration via the Samah platform, offering insurance services and upgraded “Arbaeen Companion” software. Over 2,700 volunteers, including 166 Sunnis, will assist pilgrims at border crossings and stations in Iraq.
For Pakistani pilgrims, Iran has waived all visa fees, including double-entry visas, for applications submitted between the 1st and 16th of Safar. Pilgrims must travel with officially registered caravans and secure an Iraqi visa before applying for an Iranian one, with travel insurance costs halved.
