The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that formal preparations for the 1447 AH (2026) Hajj season commenced as early as the 25th of Ramadan 1446 AH, aligning with April 4, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar. This early start signals the Kingdom’s intent to build on recent pilgrimage reforms and streamline services for international pilgrims.
According to an official statement from the ministry, the initial phase of planning began with the launch of the external agent qualification season through the “Nusuk – Umrah Path” platform. This process allows licensed Hajj service providers around the world to register, update credentials, and undergo evaluation ahead of the next pilgrimage cycle.
The move is part of broader efforts by Saudi authorities to digitalise and simplify the logistics surrounding Hajj and Umrah. By integrating the Nusuk platform, which has already gained traction among pilgrims for Umrah planning, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the selection and operation of foreign Hajj agents.
The Ministry emphasized that only approved and qualified operators will be permitted to facilitate pilgrim arrangements in 2026. This vetting process is expected to minimise fraud, improve service standards, and guarantee that only credible institutions are entrusted with the care of international pilgrims during the sacred journey.
The Kingdom has been praised in recent years for its commitment to modernising the Hajj process, particularly through the adoption of digital tools, better crowd management systems, and improved health and safety measures. With millions of Muslims expected to participate in the 1447 AH pilgrimage, authorities are laying the groundwork early to avoid administrative bottlenecks and to enhance the overall spiritual experience.
Further phases of the Hajj preparation timeline, including accommodation allocation, transportation planning, visa issuance, and health protocol updates, are expected to follow in the coming months. The Ministry has reiterated its dedication to making the pilgrimage safer, smoother, and spiritually fulfilling for Muslims from every part of the globe.
