Saudi Arabia has recorded more than 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims during the first quarter of its 2026 Umrah season, highlighting the continued global demand for the Islamic pilgrimage.
More than 15.23 million people performed Umrah during the first quarter of Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Umrah season, according to figures released by the country’s General Authority for Statistics.
The total number of Umrah pilgrims reached 15,233,767, representing both residents and visitors from outside Saudi Arabia.
Millions of Domestic and International Pilgrims
According to the reported figures, approximately 9.5 million domestic pilgrims performed Umrah during the period, while around 5.77 million pilgrims arrived from abroad.
International pilgrims included approximately 2.78 million men and 2.99 million women, showing a substantial participation of women among overseas Umrah visitors.
The figures demonstrate the international reach of Umrah and the continued importance of Saudi Arabia as a destination for Muslim pilgrims from around the world.
Air Travel Remains the Main Route
Air travel was by far the most common method used by international pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia.
Around 86% of overseas Umrah pilgrims arrived by air, while approximately 13.6% entered through land crossings.
A smaller share, around 0.4%, arrived through sea routes.
The dominance of air travel reflects the extensive international connectivity available to pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly those coming from countries located far from the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Pilgrimage Infrastructure
The growing number of Umrah pilgrims also highlights the importance of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and logistical arrangements for managing large numbers of visitors.
Pilgrim accommodation, transportation, airport facilities, border crossings, healthcare services and crowd management all play an important role in supporting the Umrah season.
Saudi Arabia has continued investing in services and infrastructure associated with religious tourism as part of broader efforts to improve the experience for pilgrims.
Umrah Season Continues to Attract Global Participation
The latest figures underline the strong international demand for Umrah. Pilgrims from different regions and backgrounds continue to travel to Makkah throughout the year to perform the pilgrimage.
With millions already completing Umrah during the first quarter of the 2026 season, the overall number of pilgrims is expected to remain closely watched as the season progresses.
The data also provides an indication of the scale of religious travel to Saudi Arabia and the economic and logistical significance of the pilgrimage sector.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Umrah pilgrims | 15,233,767 |
| Domestic pilgrims | Approx. 9.5 million |
| International pilgrims | Approx. 5.77 million |
| International male pilgrims | Approx. 2.78 million |
| International female pilgrims | Approx. 2.99 million |
| Overseas arrivals by air | Approx. 86% |
| Overseas arrivals by land | Approx. 13.6% |
| Overseas arrivals by sea | Approx. 0.4% |
Conclusion
The arrival of more than 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims during the first quarter of Saudi Arabia’s 2026 season reflects the enduring importance of Umrah for Muslims worldwide.
With international pilgrims accounting for millions of visits and air travel serving as the primary entry route, the figures demonstrate the enormous scale of the annual pilgrimage movement and the continuing importance of Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating access to Islam’s holiest sites.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available reports and reported statistics. Figures may be subject to official updates or revisions.
