Saudi Arabia Reports 15.23 Million Umrah Participants in Q1 2026
Here's what it means for you.
The surge in Umrah performers signals a booming religious tourism sector, impacting travel and hospitality industries globally.
What happened
Saudi Arabia recorded 15,233,767 Umrah performers during the first quarter of 2026.
The Context
- Sustained Growth: The number of Umrah performers has increased from approximately 19 million in 2017 to over 42 million in 2025, reflecting the success of Saudi Vision 2030.
- Visitor Breakdown: Of the total performers, 5.77 million were external pilgrims, primarily arriving by air, while 9.46 million were domestic participants.
- Infrastructure Investments: Enhanced visa programs and digital platforms like Nusuk have facilitated this growth, alongside significant upgrades to the Two Holy Mosques.
The Number
— This figure represents the total Umrah performers in Q1 2026, highlighting the expanding market for religious tourism and its potential for economic growth.
Takeaway
Expect continued growth in Umrah participation as Saudi Arabia aims for 30 million external performers annually by 2030.
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السعودية تستقبل 15 مليون معتمر في الربع الأول من 2026
The General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia announced that the total number of Umrah pilgrims during the first quarter of 2026 reached 15,233,767. This figure reflects a significant influx of visitors to the holy sites, highlighting the coun...
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More than 15.2 million perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia during Q1 2026
More than 15.2 million individuals performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2026, with domestic performers making up approximately 9.5 million of the total. The General Authority for Statistics reported that males constituted about...
English-language reporting focused on Saudi Arabia and regional affairs.
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More than 15.2 million perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia during Q1 2026
More than 15.2 million individuals performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2026, with domestic performers making up approximately 9.5 million of the total. The General Authority for Statistics reported that males constituted about...
Arabic-language coverage of Saudi, regional, and international affairs.
"Al Bilad offers mainstream Saudi newspaper coverage across domestic and broader Arab topics."
— A47 Editor
15.2 مليون معتمر خلال الربع الأول من 2026
The General Authority for Statistics has reported that over 15.2 million pilgrims performed Umrah during the first quarter of 2026, with males comprising 59.4% and females 40.6%. Saudi nationals represented 28.9% of the total pilgrims, highlighting a...