Saudi Arabia wraps up successful Hajj 2026, begins planning for next season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced the successful conclusion of the Hajj 2026 season, saying preparations for next year’s pilgrimage have already begun even before the last pilgrims depart for their home countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

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

The ministry said the end of one Hajj season marks the beginning of preparations for the next, with security and operational plans undergoing immediate review and development from Mina once pilgrimage rituals are completed.

The Ministry of Interior, regional principalities, security sectors and partner agencies coordinated efforts throughout the season to safeguard pilgrims and facilitate the smooth performance of rituals across the holy sites.

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

The ministry said it mobilized its 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 began 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.