The Hajj Conference in Jeddah highlights the participation of more than 60 government entities, a rise in international Umrah pilgrims to 18 million, airport expansions, and improvements in accommodation and healthcare services in preparation for the 1448 AH Hajj season.

Jeddah | BETH

November 9, 2026

A ministerial session held during the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah on Monday highlighted the expansion of Saudi Arabia's integrated system for serving pilgrims, involving more than 60 government entities operating under approximately 600 annual operational plans to strengthen coordination and enhance readiness for the 1448 AH Hajj season.

The session brought together Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami, and Mayor of the Holy Capital Musaed Al-Daoud.

Growth in Umrah Pilgrims and Service Development

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah stated that the number of Umrah pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia increased from 8.4 million in 2022 to 18 million in 2025.

Meanwhile, the number of visitors to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah at the Prophet's Mosque rose from approximately 6 million to nearly 16 million during the same period.

He also noted that pilgrim satisfaction indicators had exceeded the targeted level of 90%.

In the accommodation sector, the Minister of Tourism confirmed the availability of approximately 400,000 rooms providing more than 1.3 million beds in Makkah and Madinah.

He added that 30,000 inspection campaigns were conducted during the previous season, resulting in the exclusion of approximately 400 buildings that failed to meet safety and quality standards.

Airport Expansion and Advanced Healthcare Services

The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation reviewed projects aimed at increasing airport capacity, including the expansion of Madinah Airport from 8 million to 18 million passengers annually, with completion expected in October 2027.

Approximately 4.5 million pilgrims have also benefited from the "Travel Without a Bag" program, which has handled 6.7 million pieces of luggage since its launch.

In the healthcare sector, participating entities reviewed the development of preventive services, emergency response capabilities, and digital solutions to improve response times and facilitate pilgrims' access to medical care.

BETH Analysis | An Integrated System for the Pilgrim Journey

The figures reveal a shift in Hajj services from separate operational efforts toward an integrated national system connecting transportation, accommodation, healthcare, security, and municipal services through coordinated plans and shared performance indicators.

The efficiency of this system is not measured solely by the number of participating entities, but by its ability to reduce waiting times, enhance safety standards, and improve the pilgrim experience from arrival in Saudi Arabia until departure.