Saudi Arabia hosts 170,000 pilgrims daily in early months
Saudi Arabia experienced a significant increase in the number of pilgrims during the first quarter of 2026, with the count rising by 35% on a quarterly basis to approximately 15.2 million pilgrims, averaging 169,000 pilgrims per day. This growth primarily relied on domestic pilgrims, who increased by 69%, reaching 9.5 million and accounting for two-thirds of the total pilgrims. Meanwhile, the total number of pilgrims during the same period remained close to 2025 levels, totaling 5.8 million, with a 13% decline in arrivals from abroad. This rise is attributed to the coinciding of the Umrah season with the months of Shaaban and Ramadan, alongside improved management of the Umrah system. Saudi Arabia continued its investments in developing infrastructure and supporting services. Additionally, the Ministry suspended 21 companies for violations, as part of its efforts to increase capacity and enhance the experience for the guests of God, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to increase the contribution of the Hajj and Umrah sector to the national economy. The movement of pilgrims is heavily linked to the tourism and service sectors in Mecca and Medina, reflecting the sector's development trends and the ongoing efforts to facilitate entry procedures and improve provided services.
تنويه: هذا ملخص تم إنشاؤه بواسطة الذكاء الاصطناعي
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