Saudi Arabia Concludes 2026 Hajj, Initiates Early Planning for Next Season

MAKKAH

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced that the 2026 Hajj season concluded successfully, and that preparations for the following year have already commenced – even before the last pilgrims embark on their return journeys, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, including 1,546,655 pilgrims from abroad and 160,646 citizens and residents of the Kingdom, according to the General Authority for Statistics.

The ministry stated that the conclusion of one Hajj season marks the start of preparations for the next. Security and operational plans are immediately reviewed and developed from Mina as the pilgrimage rituals finish.

Across the season, the Ministry of Interior, regional principals, security forces and partner agencies coordinated efforts to safeguard pilgrims and facilitate smooth execution of rituals at the holy sites.

Security personnel were deployed across Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah to protect, guide and assist pilgrims. Government agencies, volunteers and service providers worked together under an integrated operational framework led by Hajj security forces.

The ministry highlighted its mobilization of security, media and communication capabilities throughout the season, with efforts beginning long before pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom through the Makkah Route Initiative. The program was implemented for the eighth consecutive year across 17 departure points in 10 countries, streamlining travel procedures for pilgrims before their arrival.

At the Kingdom’s air, land and sea entry points, regional authorities and the General Directorate of Passports facilitated arrivals and welcomed pilgrims as they commenced their journeys to the holy sites.

The annual Hajj security forces parade underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting pilgrims and ensuring their safety, the ministry said, describing service to pilgrims as a source of national pride and a central priority for the Kingdom.

Government institutions across the country mobilized personnel and resources in support of the pilgrimage, while Hajj security commanders emphasized that pilgrims’ safety remained a “red line” throughout the season.

From border crossings and airports to roads, transportation hubs and the holy sites, Saudi men and women worked to provide assistance and support to pilgrims at every stage of their journey.

The ministry stated that the combined efforts of security, health, service, media and communications agencies reflected a comprehensive model for managing one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings under the leadership’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.

Field security and traffic plans facilitated the movement of pilgrims between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, while the stoning of the Jamarat and the Farewell Tawaf were completed smoothly and safely.

All operations were carried out under the direct supervision of Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.

The ministry said Hajj 2026 would leave a lasting impression on pilgrims and stand as a testament to the extensive efforts made to ensure their safety, security and well-being throughout the pilgrimage journey.

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