Iraq Growing Its Tourism Industry 5 million Pilgrims Expected in Karbala

The Iraqi Interior Minister announced that his country will host five million foreign pilgrims for the Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremony.

According to Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, the Iraqi Interior Minister and head of the Arbaeen security committee, Iraq has prepared to host five million pilgrims from abroad, adding that five Iraqi provinces are prepared to host pilgrims.

The pilgrims are expected to enter Iraq within a few days after starting their journey from their countries toward Karbala.

Several Mawkibs (voluntarily prepared stations) have been set up on the roads and near the border crossings between Iran and Iraq to serve pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, according to Iranian officials; millions of pilgrims will participate individually and in groups.

Several million Iranians will attend the Arbaeen walk from Iran's Ahvaz to Iraq's Karbala.

Shias observe Arbaeen forty days after Ashura to commemorate Imam Hussein's (AS) martyrdom on the 10th day of Muharram, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).