Manila, May 21 -- The first group of 376 Filipinos arrived in Madinah to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Wednesday.

The agency said the pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday aboard the Saudia flight 861, officially commencing their journey for Hajj 2025.

This year's Hajj pilgrimage is set to take place from June 4 to 9 (8-13 Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar), drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

"The arrival of the Filipino delegation highlights the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shared commitment to providing Filipino Muslims with a safe, meaningful, and spirituall...