Saudi Arabia: Eid al-Adha celebration August 21 /update 1

Event

Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) this year beginning on Friday, August 17; Eid al-Adha itself will fall on August 23. During the festivities many government offices, foreign embassies, and local businesses will close. Workers in the banking, finance, and insurance sectors will be on holiday August 17-26. Heavy road traffic and other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers. While celebrations typically remain peaceful, the terrorist threat will remain elevated during this period; groups, including Islamic State (IS), Al-Qa'ida, and their affiliates, could step up attacks by targeting crowded mosques or public places.

The Hajj - an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that many Muslims make at least once in their lifetime - is set to take place this year August 19-24. However, pilgrims have been progressively arriving in the country in recent weeks and more than 2 million Muslim worshippers are expected to arrive before the start of the Hajj. Significant transportation delays and congestion, particularly at airports and the area surrounding Mecca, should be anticipated. An increased security presence across the country should be expected until the conclusion of the Hajj.

Context

Due to overcrowding and the mass influx of visitors to the country, the security situation in Mecca and its surrounding areas can become destabilized during the pilgrimage period. In 2015, more than 2000 pilgrims died in a stampede during the Hajj. Similar incidents involving stampedes and trampled pilgrims have also occurred in past years.

It should be noted that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the cities of Mecca and Medina.

Advice

Individuals present in Saudi Arabia are advised to exercise caution, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and be prepared for increased demand for lodging and travel services.

On a more general note, given the prevailing terrorist risk in Saudi Arabia, those present in the country are advised to avoid public places deemed particularly likely to be targeted in the event of an attack (e.g., official buildings, military zones) and report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.