Hajj 2026: Over 1.7 million pilgrims gather at Arafat
Sheikh Al Hudaify delivers sermon urging devotion, patience and discipline
DUBAI – Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has announced that the total number of pilgrims performing the 1447 AH Hajj season has reached 1,707,301.
The figures include 1,546,655 international pilgrims arriving from across the world and 160,646 domestic pilgrims comprising citizens and residents of the Kingdom.
The announcement coincided with the Day of Arafat, where millions gathered at Namirah Mosque and surrounding plains as the Hajj’s most significant ritual was performed.
The sermon delivered at Arafat urged Muslims to uphold patience, unity and devotion while completing the pilgrimage rituals.
Hajj 2026
The statistical breakdown showed that out of the total pilgrims, 893,396 were male and 813,905 were female, reflecting a near-balanced distribution. International arrivals formed the overwhelming majority, with pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia through multiple gateways. Air travel remained the dominant mode of entry with 1,485,729 pilgrims arriving via airports, followed by 54,429 through land crossings and 6,497 via sea entry points. The report also noted that pilgrims represented 165 nationalities, underscoring the global scale of the annual gathering.
GASTAT confirmed that the data was compiled using administrative records provided primarily by the Ministry of Interior. The Kingdom continues to rely on a unified register-based statistical model adopted over the past six years, designed to enhance precision and reliability in seasonal Hajj reporting. In addition, the Hajj workforce for this year reached 441,049 participants, while 26,701 volunteers supported various operational and service sectors across the holy sites.
Arafat sermon
At Namirah Mosque in Arafat, Sheikh Ali Al Hudaify delivered the Hajj Khutbah before millions of pilgrims gathered for the most sacred day of the pilgrimage. He called on worshippers to fear Allah, maintain sincerity in worship, and uphold monotheism as the foundation of salvation. The sermon stressed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger and urged believers to adhere strictly to truthfulness while avoiding falsehood, backbiting and religious innovations.
Standing at Mount Arafat: Pilgrims Fill the Sacred Landscape.#SPA_hajj47 pic.twitter.com/d4LyRJEOZ4
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) May 26, 2026
The imam further emphasised the importance of discipline during Hajj, instructing pilgrims to avoid disputes, political slogans and partisan calls. He highlighted that the pilgrimage represents unity and solidarity among Muslims worldwide, with acts of mutual understanding and cooperation evident across the holy sites. Special prayers were offered for forgiveness, ease in rituals, and the safe return of pilgrims to their home countries after completion of the pilgrimage.
Field operations
Pilgrims from various countries, including UAE groups, were reported to have reached Arafat smoothly, with health conditions described as stable under continuous supervision by accompanying medical teams. Authorities ensured coordinated movement across the holy sites, with services deployed to support safety, comfort and logistical needs during peak rituals.
Following the Arafat gathering, pilgrims are scheduled to proceed towards Mina to continue the next stages of Hajj rites.