King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia have received congratulatory messages from leaders across the Islamic world on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The Saudi leaders responded with cables expressing appreciation for the greetings and prayers, wishing for the continued security, stability, and prosperity of the Islamic world. They also prayed to God to accept the good deeds of all during the Hajj and Eid season.
Hajj 2026: Record Pilgrim Numbers
The exchange of messages coincided with the gathering of more than 1.7 million pilgrims in the Kingdom for Hajj, one of the largest annual religious gatherings globally. Saudi authorities reported a 2 percent increase in pilgrims compared to 2025, indicating sustained global demand for pilgrimage places despite regional and international challenges.
Pilgrim Demographics and Arrivals
According to official statistics, over 1.54 million pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia, with the majority traveling by air. Around 160,000 pilgrims are from within the country. The increase reflects the Kingdom's efforts to facilitate pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide.
Infrastructure and Service Improvements
Saudi officials credited expanded infrastructure, digital services, and enhanced crowd-management systems for improving the movement of pilgrims between the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The Makkah Route Initiative, which allows pilgrims to complete immigration and customs procedures in their home countries before departure, was also expanded. Nearly 389,000 pilgrims used this service in 2026, marking an increase of almost 24 percent from the previous year.
Deployment of Personnel for Hajj Operations
More than 441,000 personnel were deployed this season to support Hajj operations, including security forces, healthcare workers, transport coordinators, and emergency response teams. These teams oversaw the movement and safety of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
