Saudi Arabia Tightens Security and Traffic for Hajj Pilgrims in Makkah

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified security for the 1447 Hijri Hajj by tightening entry into Mecca and the holy precincts for individuals without official Hajj permits. The statement was made by Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami, Director-General of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee of the Ministry of Interior, at a joint press conference for Hajj security commanders at the Integrated Security Operations Centre in Mecca, on Friday 22 May 2026. Lt. Gen. Al-Bassami emphasised that the Kingdom has deployed vast human and material resources to ensure pilgrims’ safety from their arrival to their departure. Authorities have also implemented comprehensive on-the-ground security measures to prevent crime, root out pickpocketing, and regulate traffic flow in the central Mecca area. Regarding rule enforcement, Lt. General Al-Bassami warned that authorities actively monitor and dismantle fake Hajj campaigns, including domestic illegal travel agents.