By John Moses
The annual Hajj pilgrimage concluded peacefully this year, with Saudi officials confirming that the 1446 Islamic calendar season was free from major incidents. Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, declared the pilgrimage a success, citing the effective coordination of health, security, and service operations.
More than 1.67 million pilgrims participated in the religious rites, with a significant majority—over 1.5 million—travelling from outside Saudi Arabia. The remaining 166,654 pilgrims were Saudi citizens and residents. The total number included 877,841 men and 795,389 women.
Speaking at the close of the pilgrimage, Prince Saud praised the efforts of the Saudi leadership and the cooperation of the pilgrims themselves. “The pilgrims performed their rites in safety and peace, thanks to the distinguished execution of operational plans by the Kingdom’s leadership,” he stated.
He also credited the smooth running of the Hajj to pilgrims’ adherence to guidelines and the efforts of government agencies. “This year’s Hajj was free of any major health, security, or logistical incidents,” he added.
Prince Saud extended formal congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acknowledging their commitment to facilitating a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims.
Preparations for the next Hajj season, he noted, will commence immediately, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing dedication to serving Islam’s most sacred sites and the millions who journey to them annually.
