The total number of pilgrims who performed Hajj 2026 reached 1,707,301, according to final figures released by Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The count confirms another rise in attendance for the annual pilgrimage and offers a detailed picture of who travelled to the holy sites this year.
The figure marks an increase over the 1,673,230 pilgrims recorded for Hajj 2025. GASTAT compiles the numbers from official entry and registration data, making the authority the definitive source for season-end Hajj statistics. The numbers were published after pilgrims completed the rites and began departing Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Where the Pilgrims Came From
International pilgrims made up the overwhelming share of attendance. According to GASTAT, 1,546,655 pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom, while domestic pilgrims, comprising Saudi citizens and residents, numbered 160,646.
The data underscores how central Hajj remains to Muslims worldwide. For the great majority, the pilgrimage requires international travel, visa processing and months of preparation. The domestic figure reflects citizens and residents who performed Hajj from within Saudi Arabia, a group whose participation is regulated through the Nusuk platform and a separate domestic quota system.
Arrival by Air, Road and Sea
The breakdown of how international pilgrims reached the Kingdom shows the dominance of air travel. GASTAT reported that 1,485,729 pilgrims arrived through air entry points. A further 54,429 arrived by road, and 6,497 came through sea entry points.
The heavy reliance on air travel highlights the importance of Saudi Arabia's airport operations during the season, particularly at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Both serve as primary gateways for pilgrims, and both have been the focus of initiatives such as the Makkah Route programme, which completes immigration procedures in the country of departure to speed arrival.
A Balanced Gender Split
The pilgrim population was nearly evenly divided between men and women. GASTAT recorded 893,396 male pilgrims and 813,905 female pilgrims among the combined domestic and international total.
This near balance is a consistent feature of Hajj statistics and reflects the obligation's universal application. Hajj is a pillar of Islam required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who is physically and financially able, regardless of gender. Women perform the pilgrimage under the conditions set out in classical fiqh, and their strong representation in the figures mirrors that obligation.
The Bigger Picture
The 2026 total continues a long-term pattern of growth as Saudi Arabia expands its capacity to host pilgrims. The General Authority for Statistics has noted that the Kingdom has hosted and served more than 95 million Hajj pilgrims over the past 50 years, a measure of the scale of the operation that recurs every year.
Final statistics also serve a practical purpose. Planners use the figures to size accommodation, transport, catering and medical services for future seasons. With preparations for Hajj 2027 already under way, the 2026 numbers provide a baseline for the quotas and logistics that countries and service providers will work around in the months ahead.
Practical notes for prospective pilgrims: Hajj quotas are allocated to each country by Saudi authorities and fill quickly, so early registration through your national Hajj body or an approved provider is essential. Because almost all international pilgrims travel by air, securing flights and confirming airport procedures early helps avoid last-minute pressure. Keep your passport valid well beyond the travel dates, and complete any required vaccinations and Nusuk registration before applying, since these steps are mandatory and cannot be rushed once you arrive.