ARAFAT: Official figures from Saudi authorities reveal that more than 1.7 million pilgrims completed Hajj in 2026, with the majority coming from outside the Kingdom. The total number reached 1,707,301, reflecting an increase of 34,071 pilgrims, or 2.04%, compared to the previous year’s total of 1,673,230.
Officials attributed this growth to ongoing efforts to improve pilgrimage procedures, expand entry point facilities, and provide better services for pilgrims amid continued global demand despite evolving regional and international circumstances. These enhancements are part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on operational efficiency, including the digitalization of services, advanced crowd management systems, and coordinated efforts among security, health, and logistical agencies.
The General Authority for Statistics reported that 1,546,655 pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia, while 160,646 were Saudi citizens or residents. Among international pilgrims, 1,485,729 traveled by air, 54,429 entered via land crossings, and 6,497 arrived by sea.
The number of pilgrims utilizing the Makkah Route Initiative a program that facilitates immigration, passport, and customs procedures at departure points — increased to 388,694 from 314,337 last year, representing a growth of approximately 23.7%.
Support operations saw an increase in personnel, totaling 441,049 compared to 420,070 in the previous season. However, the number of volunteers decreased significantly from 34,540 to 26,701, a reduction of 22.7%.
The statistics were compiled based on administrative data provided by the Ministry of Interior, following a recent framework designed to ensure accuracy and consistency across Hajj seasons.
