Saudi Supreme Court Declares Start of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH — Hajj Season Officially Opens

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court officially declared May 18, 2026 as the first day of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, setting the Hajj calendar for 2026. Hajj — the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca — is expected to draw over 2.5 million worshippers, placing immense logistical demands on the Kingdom's transport, medical, and security infrastructure. Saudi Health Ministry briefings confirmed medical readiness protocols for the pilgrimage season. The Custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques — one of the Saudi royal family's core legitimizing titles — is managed through the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Mecca's infrastructure projects, including metro expansions and the planned New Mecca Airport, were cited as on track despite broader Vision 2030 budget pressures from the Iran war. The Hajj season represents a critical annual test of Saudi governance capacity and a significant revenue event for the tourism sector.