Saudi Arabia Declares 2026 Hajj Successful, Serves Over 1.7 Million Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has declared the 2026 Hajj (1447 AH) a success, attributing it to coordinated security, management, and service systems. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Mecca and Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, made the statement in a release on Friday (29 May) ahead of this year’s Hajj conclusion.

According to Prince Saud, the integrated security, organisation, and service systems enabled pilgrims to perform all rituals safely, orderly, and smoothly. He stressed that the successful Hajj is not the end of Saudi Arabia’s responsibilities but the start of new duties in serving Islam and Muslims.

Saudi statistical authorities reported 1,707,301 pilgrims this year, including 1,546,655 from 165 countries and 160,646 domestic attendees. This marks a rise from 2025’s 1,673,230 but remains below the 1.83 million recorded in 2024.

The Hajj rituals began on Monday (25 May) as pilgrims moved to Mina in western Saudi Arabia, where strict security and support services were implemented. The six-day event included key rites such as standing at Arafat, overnight stay at Muzdalifah, stoning the devil in Mina, and the farewell circumambulation at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, concluding on Saturday.

Saudi Hajj officials have started arranging the return of Indonesian pilgrims, with departures set for 1 June 2026. On Friday (29 May), 132,568 pilgrims opting for early departure left Mina’s tents for Mecca on 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH. Pilgrims spent the days of Tashreeq in increased takbir, tahlil, tahmid, and prayers to complete the fifth pillar of Islam.

All Hajj rituals for Brebes Regency, Central Java, pilgrims in SOC 08 Solo flight group have been completed. Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo, DIY, is now ready to receive the first batch of returning pilgrims.