More than 1.7 million pilgrims are performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year, marking an increase in attendance as the Kingdom continues expanding services and infrastructure for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

Saudi authorities confirmed that a total of 1,707,301 pilgrims are participating in Hajj 2026, representing an increase of more than 34,000 people compared with last year.

International Pilgrims Continue To Dominate Hajj Attendance

According to figures released by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics, 1,546,655 pilgrims travelled from outside the Kingdom to perform Hajj.

Meanwhile, 160,646 pilgrims were Saudi citizens or residents.

The overwhelming majority of international pilgrims arrived by air, with 1,485,729 entering the country through airports.

Another 54,429 pilgrims entered Saudi Arabia through land border crossings, while 6,497 arrived by sea.

Saudi Arabia Expands Digital And Operational Systems

Officials said the increase in attendance reflects ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline pilgrimage operations.

Saudi Arabia has continued investing in digital services, crowd-management systems and coordination between health, security and logistics agencies.

The Kingdom has also expanded infrastructure and services at entry points to improve the overall pilgrimage experience for visitors.

Authorities said the latest figures demonstrate sustained global demand for Hajj participation despite changing regional and international conditions.

Makkah Route Initiative Sees Strong Growth

One of the fastest-growing programmes this year was the Makkah Route Initiative, which allows pilgrims to complete immigration, customs and passport procedures before departing their home countries.

The system enables travellers to proceed directly to accommodation upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, reducing waiting times at airports.

A total of 388,694 pilgrims used the initiative during Hajj 2026, compared with 314,337 last year — an increase of approximately 23.7 percent.

More Workers Supporting Hajj Operations

The total number of personnel supporting Hajj operations also increased this year.

Authorities reported that 441,049 workers were involved in pilgrimage management and support services, compared with 420,070 during the previous Hajj season.

At the same time, volunteer participation declined from 34,540 in 2025 to 26,701 this year.

Saudi Arabia Continues Major Pilgrimage Investments

Saudi Arabia continues to position Hajj and Umrah development as a major component of its wider tourism and infrastructure strategy under Vision 2030.

The Kingdom has invested heavily in transport systems, crowd management technology, accommodation capacity and airport infrastructure as part of efforts to improve safety and efficiency for millions of pilgrims arriving each year.