Saudi Arabia has secured more than 1.3 million beds for the 2027 Hajj season, officials announced at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah. The figures point to an early and detailed push to prepare pilgrim accommodation for the 1448 AH pilgrimage. Authorities also confirmed that around 400 buildings were removed from the accommodation pool after they failed safety inspections.
The announcement was made by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, during the sixth edition of the conference. The event ran in Jeddah under the patronage of King Salman and drew more than 520 local and international organizations. Accommodation, safety and the quality of the pilgrim experience were central themes.
The conference brought together government bodies, private operators and nonprofit groups, with exhibitors from more than 150 countries. Previous editions have drawn over 200,000 visitors and hundreds of specialized sessions. The forum serves as an early planning platform, allowing Hajj offices and service providers from around the world to coordinate well ahead of the season.
Capacity and Licensing
According to the Ministry of Tourism, about 4,000 accommodation buildings in Makkah and Madinah have been made available for pilgrims. Together these buildings provide roughly 400,000 rooms. Temporary facilities, such as the camps at Mina and Arafat, add about 560,000 further beds.
Al-Khateeb said the designated buildings completed their licensing process ahead of the announcement. The licensing drive is part of a wider effort to standardize housing across the holy cities. The Ministry of Tourism took over oversight of Hajj accommodation last year, bringing the sector under a single regulator.
The minister stressed that accommodation quality is critical to the overall pilgrimage. He noted that poor living conditions can undermine a pilgrim's satisfaction even when airport and transport services perform well. He added that the room capacity now available in Makkah and Madinah is comparable to the entire accommodation supply of around 10 percent of countries worldwide.
Safety Inspections and Removed Buildings
The ministry carried out the inspections together with the Saudi Civil Defence. Teams assessed structural integrity, emergency exits, general safety readiness and the suitability of each building for housing pilgrims. Buildings that did not meet the essential requirements were excluded.
As a result, about 400 buildings were removed from the approved list. Officials framed the removals as a safety measure rather than a shortfall, noting that licensed capacity still exceeds the number of expected pilgrims. The focus, they said, is on ensuring that every approved building meets a consistent standard.
Satisfaction and Service Planning
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, used the conference to review the most recent season. He reported 93 percent satisfaction with Hajj services for the 1447 AH season, which corresponds to the 2026 pilgrimage. He credited the result to coordination among more than 60 government and operational entities.
Al-Rabiah said the ministry reviewed and implemented around 600 work plans across the season. He also pointed to the Pilgrim Experience Program, launched in 2019, which he said has exceeded its 90 percent target for the Umrah pilgrim experience. According to the minister, the early preparation for 2027 builds on these results.
What Pilgrims Should Know
For those planning the 2027 Hajj, a few practical steps can help. First, book accommodation only through licensed operators and approved packages, since unlicensed buildings will not be permitted to host pilgrims. Second, confirm that the housing listed in a package falls within the official Makkah and Madinah zones.
Pilgrims are also advised to keep documentation of their accommodation booking and to verify it against official ministry platforms where possible. Checking the distance between the accommodation and the Haram, as well as the available transport, can prevent surprises on arrival. Early booking remains the surest way to secure a place within the licensed inventory.
Finally, pilgrims should stay alert to official updates as the 1448 AH season approaches. Licensing lists and accommodation rules can be adjusted, and relying on verified sources helps avoid costly mistakes. With preparations starting early this year, pilgrims who plan ahead are likely to have the widest choice of approved housing.