The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that it has concluded contracts for over one million pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2026, a record number that signifies a major milestone in the country’s Hajj operations. According to Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, this achievement was made possible through agreements with 77 countries and over 3,000 contracts between the Saudi private sector and international Hajj operators.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 5th Hajj Conference and Exhibition held at Jeddah Superdome, which drew over 160,000 visitors from 150 countries, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. The event featured around 300 entities from both the public and private sectors showcasing their services for pilgrims.
Hajj Conference Success
The success of this year’s Hajj conference was attributed to the participation of a large number of countries and organizations. “The growing interest in the Hajj conference reflects the international community’s recognition of the Kingdom’s leadership in organizing and managing Hajj operations,” Al-Rabiah said. The event provided a platform for various stakeholders to share information about their services, contributing to the overall improvement of the Hajj experience.
One of the notable participants in the exhibition was the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), which showcased its efforts in preserving and documenting the history of Hajj. The foundation’s participation highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural and historical significance of the pilgrimage.
Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience
Al-Rabiah credited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership and support for the success of Hajj operations. The ministry’s efforts are focused on ensuring a safe and seamless journey for pilgrims, from their departure to their return home. The Kingdom is working to enhance and expand services for pilgrims and visitors, with the upcoming Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled to take place in Madinah in January 2026.
The forum is expected to build on the momentum generated by this year’s Hajj conference. It will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss ways to improve services and infrastructure for pilgrims. According to the ministry, the event will be a key step in the Kingdom’s efforts to continue enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
Future Developments
As the Kingdom continues to invest in its Hajj infrastructure and services, the next major milestone will be the 2026 Hajj season. The ministry’s efforts to improve the pilgrimage experience are expected to continue, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation. With the Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled for early 2026, stakeholders will be watching for further developments on the Kingdom’s plans to enhance its services for pilgrims and visitors.
Looking ahead, the success of the Hajj conference and the record number of pilgrim contracts signed for 2026 indicate a positive trend for the Kingdom’s Hajj operations. However, the ministry still faces challenges in managing the large number of pilgrims and ensuring their safety. The outcome of the Umrah and Visit Forum will be closely watched for insights into the Kingdom’s future plans and strategies.
