Nearly 79 Million Worshippers Flood Mecca & Medina During Rajab 2026

Record Pilgrimage Activity in Rajab 2026

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced an unprecedented influx of worshippers at Islam’s holiest sites during Rajab 1447 AH, corresponding to January 2026. Official figures from the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque reveal that a total of 78,843,425 pilgrims and worshippers passed through the Two Holy Mosques — a remarkable achievement outside the traditional peak Hajj season.

This includes nearly 35 million worshippers in Mecca and 25.1 million in Medina, demonstrating not only spiritual devotion but also the increasing accessibility and appeal of Umrah and ziyarat (visits) travel services.

Breakdown of Pilgrim Figures

• Umrah Pilgrims: 14.9 million performed the lesser pilgrimage during Rajab 2026.
• International Arrivals: More than 2 million pilgrims came from outside Saudi Arabia, highlighting renewed global interest and mobility.
• Significant Sites:

               Over 54,000 prayed in the Hijr Ismail area near the Kaaba.

              In Medina, 1.29 million worshippers prayed in the Rawdah al-Sharifah, one of the mosque’s most sacred spaces.

              2.59 million visitors offered greetings at the Prophet Muhammad’s resting place.

What This Means for Umrah Travel in 2026

These figures reflect substantial growth in global Umrah interest and the effectiveness of Saudi digital and logistical systems. Simplified visa applications, integrated travel coordination, and expanded service infrastructure have made pilgrimage planning easier for agencies, operators, and individual pilgrims alike.

With Umrah visa services ongoing and peak travel months approaching, this surge signals strong demand for early bookings, competitive Umrah packages, and enhanced pilgrimage support services from trusted tour operators like UmrahOne.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What period does Rajab 1447 AH cover? 
A: Rajab 1447 AH corresponds to early 2026 (January). This period saw significant pilgrimage activity ahead of Ramadan and peak seasons.

Q2: How many performed Umrah during this period? 
A: Approximately 14.9 million pilgrims completed the Umrah rituals during Rajab 2026.

Q3: Are international pilgrims included in these statistics? 
A: Yes — over 2 million international pilgrims contributed to the total worshipper count.

Q4: Why are these numbers significant? 
A: These figures represent one of the highest non-Hajj pilgrimage volumes outside peak seasons, indicating stronger global travel trends and optimized pilgrimage services.