Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 860,000 foreign pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, as preparations intensify for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
According to Saudi authorities, pilgrims from different parts of the world have continued arriving through the Kingdom’s airports, seaports, and land borders in anticipation of the sacred rites in Makkah and Madinah.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that extensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience. These include upgraded transportation systems, crowd management technology, health services, and multilingual support for pilgrims.
Authorities also revealed that smart monitoring systems and coordinated movement plans are being used this year to improve safety and reduce congestion at the holy sites.
Saudi officials have reiterated that only pilgrims with valid Hajj permits will be allowed into Makkah during the Hajj period, warning against unauthorized entry and misuse of visit or tourist visas.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year. The peak Hajj rites are expected to begin in the coming days as more pilgrims continue to arrive in the Kingdom.
The Kingdom has also expanded special support services for elderly and disabled pilgrims, including electric mobility assistance and improved healthcare facilities.
Officials say preparations remain ongoing to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers expected for this year’s pilgrimage.
