Over 1.7 Million Muslims Undertake Hajj in 2026
This year, the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia witnessed an impressive turnout, with more than 1.7 million Muslims from various corners of the globe participating in this sacred journey. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the total number of pilgrims reached 1,707,301, comprising 1,546,655 individuals who traveled from abroad and 160,646 citizens and residents already residing in the Kingdom. Among the pilgrims, 893,396 were men, while 813,905 were women, as reported by data from the Ministry of Interior. Notably, Moroccan pilgrims accounted for a significant portion of this year's participants, with 34,000 Moroccans fulfilling their religious obligation to perform Hajj.
Logistics and Safety Measures for Pilgrims
In preparation for the influx of pilgrims, Saudi authorities implemented extensive security, healthcare, and logistical measures to ensure the safety and smooth movement of all attendees throughout the holy sites in Makkah and its surrounding areas. The majority of international pilgrims arrived by air, with figures indicating that 1,485,729 people entered the Kingdom via flights. Additionally, 54,429 pilgrims crossed through land borders, while 6,497 arrived by sea routes. The Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs set the basic cost for citizens wishing to perform Hajj at MAD 63,021, reflecting the financial commitment required for this spiritual journey. The latest statistics mark an increase from last year’s total of 1,673,230 pilgrims, signifying a sustained global interest in this annual Islamic pilgrimage. Despite challenging weather conditions, with temperatures soaring between 42°C and 47°C, strong international participation was observed, showcasing the resilience and dedication of Muslims worldwide to undertake this essential religious duty. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, remains a fundamental obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of making the journey at least once in their lifetime.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
