Hajj statistics 1447 AH: More than 1.7 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia
The General Authority for Statistics announced today the statistics for the Hajj season of 1447 AH (2026 CE), confirming that the total number of pilgrims this year reached 1,707,301. Specifically, 1,546,655 pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through various air, land, and sea ports, while the number of domestic pilgrims, including citizens and residents, reached 160,646.
The statistical data issued by the General Authority for Statistics provides a detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims by gender and mode of arrival. Of the total number of pilgrims, 893,396 were male and 813,905 were female. Regarding the routes of arrival for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, the vast majority (1,485,729) arrived by air. Land ports received 54,429 pilgrims, and 6,497 arrived by sea.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds profound spiritual significance for millions of Muslims worldwide. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, bears a great responsibility in organizing and facilitating this sacred ritual. Throughout history, Hajj seasons have witnessed tremendous development in services and infrastructure, from ancient roads to modern transportation networks and advanced facilities that accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims year after year. These statistics reflect the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to manage this massive human gathering efficiently and effectively.
The announced figures for the 1447 AH (2026 CE) Hajj season are not merely numbers, but rather an indicator of the Kingdom's organizational and logistical success in hosting this global ritual. Domestically, the Hajj season significantly contributes to the national economy through the tourism, hospitality, transportation, and various service sectors, providing both seasonal and permanent employment opportunities. It also reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global center for Islamic services and highlights its ability to manage major events effectively and safely.
At both the regional and international levels, these figures demonstrate the Kingdom's commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for pilgrims of all nationalities, strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and showcasing the Kingdom's civilized image. Furthermore, the ongoing coordination with Islamic countries and international organizations to ensure the smooth flow of Hajj procedures, from visa issuance to health and security services, highlights the Kingdom's leading role in the Islamic world and its capacity for effective international cooperation.
The General Authority for Statistics relies on highly accurate and reliable administrative records provided by the Ministry of Interior to publish these data and statistical indicators for the Hajj season. This reliance is part of a unified statistical model developed and implemented over the past six years to ensure the highest levels of transparency and accuracy in Hajj statistics. The Authority affirms that it is the sole official statistical reference for data and statistical information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thus guaranteeing the reliability of these figures for planners, researchers, and the public alike.
The Hajj season of 1447 AH (2026 AD) is a new addition to the series of successes achieved by the Kingdom in organizing this great pilgrimage, and confirms its continued commitment to developing services and improving the spiritual experience of pilgrims, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims and provide them with the best services.
