More than 1.5 million pilgrims, including about 50,000 Nigerians, have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage despite initial concerns over regional tensions affecting this year’s exercise.
Fears had emerged over the possibility of disruptions to Hajj activities following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on February 18 and raised security concerns across parts of the Middle East.
The situation also led to disruptions in flight operations in parts of the region, fuelling speculation about potential restrictions on international pilgrims.
However, Saudi authorities have confirmed full readiness for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Speaking at a press conference in Makkah on Friday, Saudi Arabia’s Acting Director General of Passports, Major General Saleh Al-Murabba, said 1,518,153 pilgrims from outside the Kingdom had arrived as of Friday afternoon.
According to him, over 1.457 million pilgrims entered Saudi Arabia through designated airports.
The figure excludes Saudi citizens and expatriates residing in the Kingdom who secured permits to participate in the pilgrimage.
Reports by Saudi media indicate that the number of international pilgrims already exceeds figures recorded at the same stage during preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
Official records show that 1,673,320 pilgrims performed Hajj in 2025, including 1,506,576 international pilgrims.
Saudi authorities also reiterated that the pilgrimage would not be allowed to become a platform for activities outside its religious purpose.
Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami, said security agencies had concluded arrangements to ensure a safe exercise.
“Our goal is for the pilgrim to reach his destination, perform his rituals and return safely to his homeland,” Al-Bassami said.
He urged pilgrims to focus on worship while authorities manage logistics and movement during the exercise.
According to officials, crowd control measures have been strengthened to improve movement coordination, reduce congestion and ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The 2026 Hajj is expected to commence on Monday.
