Arbaeen 2026: Iran Sets Registration Dates for Pilgrims Heading to Karbala
Iran’s Arbaeen Central Headquarters of Hussein announced on Saturday that registration for the 2026 Arbaeen pilgrimage will begin at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (15 Muharram 1448 AH). The registration will be conducted through the Samah platform, accessible at samah.haj.ir. The headquarters said that the Samah system is mandatory for pilgrims who wish to receive the full range of services that the organization will provide.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. It marks the fortieth day after Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia imam. Millions of Shia Muslims, along with Sunnis and followers of other faiths, walk to the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq, from cities across Iraq and neighbouring countries. In 2025, the Iranian Ministry of Religious Affairs and Guidance reported that about four million Iranian pilgrims participated in the event.
According to the headquarters’ statement, the operation to transport pilgrims to Iraq will commence on 25 July and conclude on 6 August 2026. The day of Arbaeen itself will fall on 4 August 2026. The Samah platform will also provide insurance coverage for registered pilgrims, a feature highlighted by the organization’s spokesperson.
Several travel agencies have already begun offering packages that align with the official dates. Misbah‑ul‑Hoda, for example, has announced a Ziyarat package that runs from 24 July to 7 August 2026, including stays in Kadhimiyyah, Najaf, and Karbala, as well as a walking route from Najaf to Karbala for those who prefer to travel on foot.
The coordination of the pilgrimage involves multiple logistical elements. Iranian Moukebs (service stations) will operate in both Iran and Iraq to accommodate pilgrims’ needs. In 2026, the ministry expects 1,526 Moukebs in Iraq and 1,225 in Iran to serve the influx of visitors. The Samah platform’s registration requirement is intended to streamline the allocation of these services.
The timing of the registration and the official operation dates also reflect broader regional cooperation. In early 2026, Iran and Iraq agreed to reopen the Khosravi border crossing to facilitate the movement of pilgrims during Arbaeen. The joint effort is part of a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at improving security and communication for large religious gatherings.
For Iranian pilgrims, the 30 June registration window provides a clear deadline to secure travel arrangements, insurance, and accommodation. The headquarters’ emphasis on the Samah platform’s mandatory use underscores the organization’s intent to manage the pilgrimage safely and efficiently.
In summary, Iranian authorities have set a definitive schedule for the 2026 Arbaeen pilgrimage: registration opens 30 June, transport operations run from 25 July to 6 August, and the commemorative day falls on 4 August. Pilgrims who wish to participate must register via Samah to access the full suite of services, including insurance. The event is expected to attract millions of participants, continuing the tradition of mass pilgrimage that has become a defining feature of Shia religious practice.
