Saudi Arabia confirmed on Friday that more than 1.518 million pilgrims had arrived from abroad, as security commanders unveiled a comprehensive operational plan at the Unified Security Operations Center in Makkah for Hajj 2026.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami chairs the Hajj Security Committee and serves as Director of Public Security. He announced full readiness across all security sectors and issued a firm warning; authorities will not allow anyone to exploit the Hajj season for purposes that conflict with its spiritual mission.
“Our goal is for the pilgrim to reach his destination, perform his rituals and return safely to his homeland,” he said, urging pilgrims to focus solely on worship.
Crackdown on Violators Yields Strong Results
Notably, security forces dismantled more than 217 fake Hajj campaigns across the Kingdom, as authorities denied entry to 7,733 individuals who violated residency, labour and border regulations. In addition, checkpoints blocked over 366,000 unauthorised persons from accessing Makkah, and security teams intercepted thousands of vehicles transporting violators.
These efforts have delivered measurable results. Compared with last year, a 44 per cent drop in violators and deportees emerged. Authorities also recorded a 12% reduction in fake Hajj campaigns and a 33% decline in residency and border-related offences.
Advanced Technology Strengthens Pilgrimage Safety
Security plans this year rely on AI-supported surveillance, advanced monitoring and coordinated field operations. Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari, Commander of the Special Emergency Forces, described the strategy as “integrated, proactive and flexible.” His forces cover key sites, including Namirah Mosque, Jabal Al-Rahmah and the Jamarat complex.
Meanwhile, Major General Dr. Hamoud Al-Faraj, Director General of Civil Defence, confirmed that authorities have intensified preventive measures. They have also expanded AI tools to sharpen risk monitoring and emergency response.
As for arrivals, Acting Director General of Passports Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Murabba confirmed that more than 1.457 million pilgrims entered through Saudi airports by Friday afternoon.
