24 Hajj Pilgrims Pass Away in Saudi Arabia Ahead of Hajj Peak
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that, as of 11 May 2026, 24 prospective hajj pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia. The most recent case involves a hajj pilgrim from Medan City, North Sumatra, who died while performing the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has extended condolences to the deceased pilgrims. Ministry spokesperson Maria Assegaff also stated that at least 67 pilgrims are currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabian hospitals.
Maria advised all hajj pilgrims to start conserving their energy, especially as they approach the peak of the Hajj 1447 Hijriah rituals in the last week of May 2026.
Temperatures in Mecca and Medina, according to Maria, can reach 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. Therefore, she recommended that pilgrims avoid overexerting themselves with activities outside the hotel, particularly during the daytime.
“Pilgrims need to prioritise their health. Conserve energy, get enough rest, eat on time, drink sufficient water, and always follow the instructions of the officials,” Maria said in a written statement, as quoted on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
For elderly pilgrims, those with disabilities, and high-risk individuals, Maria urged them to immediately report any physical complaints to the officials. She reminded them not to delay such notifications.
“Do not wait until the condition worsens. Health is the primary provision for reaching the peak of Hajj,” she said.
Additionally, she warned Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups to accompany pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land, from providing health and safety education, maintaining order and discipline, to guiding on rituals.
The government, according to Maria, has also issued a circular regulating pilgrim movements ahead of the Hajj peak. Maria stated that these regulations are a mitigation step to ensure smooth pilgrim movements during the Hajj peak.
“Specifically for the second wave pilgrims arriving via Jeddah, they are advised to wear ihram cloth from the embarkation point,” she said.
As many as 341 batches with a total of 132,057 pilgrims and 1,361 hajj officials have been dispatched to Saudi Arabia up to the third week of the Hajj implementation. Subsequently, 240 batches consisting of 92,767 pilgrims and 960 officials have arrived in Mecca from Medina.
As many as 67 batches with 25,541 pilgrims and 269 hajj officials from the second wave have arrived in the Holy Land via Jeddah. Meanwhile, for special hajj pilgrims who have arrived in Saudi Arabia, there are 5,766 pilgrims.