Saudi Arabia begins pilgrim departures as Hajj 2026 ends
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More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)
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More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)
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More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)
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More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)
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More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)Next
Arab News
- First flights leave Madinah as pilgrims end post-Hajj visits
- Staff at ports, airports mobilize for smooth journeys home
RIYADH: The Kingdom has begun the large-scale departure of pilgrims following the completion of Hajj 2026, with authorities mobilizing across the nation’s air, sea and land entry points to ensure they have a smooth journey home, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The first flights, with guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, have left Madinah after pilgrims completed their rituals and visits to the Prophet’s Mosque.
The guests departed through Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport after what organizers described as a spiritually enriching journey that included visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah and tours of historical and cultural landmarks.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which oversees the program, said pilgrims also took part in educational and cultural activities to deepen their understanding of Islam and showcase Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving pilgrims and visitors to the two holy mosques.
Many participants praised the Kingdom’s organization of the pilgrimage, citing the quality accommodation, transportation, healthcare and logistical services.
They also thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for hosting them under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program, which annually invites thousands of Muslims from around the world to perform Hajj at the Kingdom’s expense.
Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Passports said it had completed departure procedures for the first groups of pilgrims leaving through Jeddah Islamic Port and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The directorate said it had mobilized personnel and resources across all border crossings to facilitate the departure process and ensure pilgrims complete travel formalities efficiently.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics, with over 1.5 million from abroad and 160,646 citizens and residents from within the Kingdom.
source https://www.arabnews.com/node/2645842/saudi-arabia
Categories: Arab World, Hajj, ISLAM, Muslims, Saudi Arabia