Hajj 2026 Concludes Successfully with 1.7 Million Pilgrims Under Saudi Custodianship

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced the successful conclusion of Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) on May 30, with approximately 1.7 million pilgrims completing the pilgrimage — 1,546,655 from abroad and 160,646 domestic pilgrims. The Hajj had proceeded without the large-scale security incidents that marred events in 1987, 1997, or 2015. Saudi Arabia's role as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques — a title held by King Salman and central to the monarchy's legitimacy — underpinned the smooth management of the world's largest annual gathering of Muslims. The Kingdom managed the 2026 Hajj under exceptional circumstances: the Iran war and Hormuz closure had created regional instability, but Saudi Arabia maintained logistical access for pilgrims from across the Muslim world. A separate announcement confirmed plans for a new airport and metro system in Makkah ahead of future Hajj seasons, consistent with Vision 2030 infrastructure targets.