Saudi Arabia announces historic single-day Umrah record of 904,000 pilgrims on February 21, 2026 (4th Ramadan 1447 AH), surpassing last year’s 500,000 peak
Saudi Arabia Shatters Umrah Record: Over 904,000 Pilgrims Converge on Grand Mosque in Single Day
In a stunning display of faith and devotion, Saudi Arabia has set a new all-time high for Umrah attendance, with 904,000 pilgrims performing the lesser pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Saturday, February 21, 2026—corresponding to the 4th day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Announced by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques (Haramain), this figure nearly doubles the previous single-day record of 500,000 set on March 7 last year, highlighting the massive spiritual draw during the holy month.
The unprecedented turnout comes amid Ramadan’s heightened worship, with authorities ramping up measures to ensure safety, smooth flow, and spiritual focus for millions flocking to the holy sites.
Key enhancements include:
- Exclusive allocation of the Mataf—the white marble open-air area encircling the Kaaba—solely for Umrah performers throughout the day.
- Strict instructions for worshippers to use available courtyards and designated zones when main prayer spaces fill rapidly, especially during Friday prayers, Maghrib, Isha, Tarawih, and late-night Tahajjud in the final ten days.
- Prohibition on congregating in walkways, roads, or courtyards, with all movement guided by clear directional signage at mosque doors.
- Robust traffic restrictions in the central area: pedestrian-only routes, no vehicles during extended prayer periods, bans on unauthorised motorcycles and bicycles, and towing for obstructing vehicles.
To ease access, public buses transport pilgrims from King Abdulaziz International Airport and 14 dedicated parking zones—nine inside Makkah and five on approach roads. During peak congestion, those unable to enter the Grand Mosque or its courtyards are redirected to nearby mosques and equipped prayer halls.
These coordinated efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting one of the world’s largest religious gatherings safely and efficiently, allowing pilgrims to focus on worship amid growing numbers. As Ramadan continues, officials expect sustained high attendance supported by advanced crowd management and pilgrim services. Read More
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