2026 Hajj: Saudi Ministry Name Iraq Star of the Month for Full Contract Compliance
By Faiza Musa Adamu Dong
Iraq has emerged as the most outstanding Hajj office for the 2026 pilgrimage season, recording a 100 per cent completion rate for accommodation contracts in both Makkah and Madinah.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in its latest performance assessment, listed Iraq as the top-performing Hajj mission under its “Star of the Month” recognition for countries with the highest completion rates for Makkah and Madinah accommodation contracts.
In addition to Iraq, several other countries were acknowledged for achieving full compliance with the contract requirements. These include Benin, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, Maldives and Azerbaijan, all of which recorded 100 per cent completion rates.
Saudi Hajj authorities said the recognition reflects timely adherence to contractual and administrative benchmarks, which remain critical to effective planning, service allocation and overall pilgrim welfare during the annual pilgrimage.
The ministry has consistently emphasized early contract finalization as a key performance indicator, noting that delays in accommodation agreements could disrupt logistics and negatively impact pilgrim experience.
The 2026 Hajj preparations are being closely monitored through Saudi Arabia’s digital Hajj management platforms, with countries urged to complete outstanding contractual obligations to secure optimal services for their pilgrims.
Observers say the latest performance ranking underscores the growing emphasis by Saudi authorities on efficiency, accountability and early compliance as part of broader reforms aimed at improving Hajj operations globally.
