The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has confirmed that 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj in 2026, corresponding to 1447 AH. The figures, published through the Saudi Press Agency, provide one of the most detailed official breakdowns of a Hajj season on record, covering nationality, method of arrival, gender, and the scale of the workforce that supported the pilgrimage.
A Detailed Register-Based Count
According to GASTAT, the total of 1,707,301 pilgrims was drawn from administrative records held by the Ministry of Interior. External pilgrims who arrived from abroad accounted for 1,546,655 of the total, while internal pilgrims, made up of citizens and residents already inside the Kingdom, reached 160,646.
GASTAT reported that the external pilgrims represented 165 nationalities. The authority noted that its count relies on a unified statistical model that has been refined over the past six years, drawing on register-based data rather than sample estimates. This approach is intended to produce highly accurate and reliable figures for each season.
How Pilgrims Arrived
The report broke down the arrival of external pilgrims by point of entry. The overwhelming majority travelled by air, with 1,485,729 pilgrims arriving through the Kingdom air gateways. A further 54,429 arrived by road, and 6,497 arrived by sea.
The dominance of air travel reflects the central role of Jeddah and Madinah airports in receiving pilgrims, as well as the dedicated Hajj terminals that process large volumes of arrivals in a compressed window. Road and sea arrivals, while far smaller in number, remain important for pilgrims from neighbouring countries and coastal regions.
Demographics of the 2026 Season
The GASTAT data showed a near balance between male and female pilgrims. Male pilgrims numbered 893,396, while female pilgrims reached 813,905 across the combined internal and external totals.
This close split underlines the point that Hajj draws men and women in comparable numbers, and it has practical implications for the planning of accommodation, transport, and services at the holy sites, where separate facilities and considerations are required.
The Workforce Behind the Season
Beyond the pilgrims themselves, GASTAT highlighted the scale of the human effort that supported the season. The Hajj workforce for 2026 reached 441,049 participants, spanning transport, catering, security, health, and logistics roles. In addition, 26,701 volunteers served across various sectors during the season.
Taken together, these figures show that for every four pilgrims, roughly one worker or volunteer was engaged in delivering services. That ratio reflects the intensity of the operation required to move, house, feed, and safeguard well over a million and a half people within a few days and across a small geographic area.
What the Numbers Mean for Pilgrims
For those planning future pilgrimages, the 2026 statistics carry several practical lessons. Air travel remains the primary route, so pilgrims should book flights early and confirm that their travel aligns with official Hajj arrangements. The heavy reliance on register-based data also reflects the Kingdom growing use of digital systems, and prospective pilgrims should expect their information to be verified through official platforms before and during the journey.
Pilgrims are advised to travel only through authorised Hajj service providers and official channels, to keep documents and permits accessible throughout the season, and to prepare for the physical demands of a pilgrimage shared with more than 1.7 million others. Following guidance from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, arriving within scheduled windows, and respecting crowd-management instructions all help ensure a safer and smoother experience.