Saudi Arabia begins Hajj 1448 planning with over 75 countries
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened a series of early preparatory meetings with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries ahead of the 1448 AH (2027) season.
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Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened a series of early preparatory meetings with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries ahead of the 1448 AH (2027) season.
The Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah has reviewed the current Umrah season and stressed the highest levels of readiness for the 1448 AH Hajj, calling for stronger integration between agencies.
Saudi Arabia's rail network carried more than 83 million passengers in the first half of 2026, up 16 percent, with the Haramain High-Speed Railway moving millions between Makkah and Madinah.
Official GASTAT data shows more than 15.2 million people performed Umrah in the first quarter of 2026, with domestic pilgrims making up nearly two-thirds and international arrivals travelling mostly by air.
Turkey's Diyanet has set its Hajj 2027 fees in US dollars rather than Saudi riyals, with a standard package priced at $9,200, drawing internal criticism over a roughly 41 percent increase as nearly 1.88 million people entered the lottery for 84,942 places.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has approved updated licensing and classification standards for Hajj accommodation in Makkah and Madinah ahead of Hajj 1448, introducing Economy and First Class categories and multi-stage inspections.
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