Saudi Urges Pilgrims to Plan Visits as Umrah Crowds Hit Makkah
By Faiza Musa Adamu Dong
Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to carefully plan their visits to Masjid al‑Haram following an unprecedented surge in Umrah attendance in the holy city of Makkah.
Officials confirmed that on the fourth day of Ramadan, corresponding to February 21, 2026, about 904,000 pilgrims performed Umrah in a single day, setting a new record for the highest number of worshippers recorded at the Grand Mosque in one day.
The development comes amid viral social media videos showing dense crowds around the Kaaba. However, authorities noted that live broadcasts from the mosque often depict calmer scenes because congestion typically occurs only during peak periods.
READ ALSO: https://hajjgazette.com/sultan-prays-for-nigerias-peace-unity-during-umrah-in-makkah/
According to officials, crowd density fluctuates throughout the day, with the busiest times usually recorded between Iftar and the Tarawih prayers, as well as during weekends when more worshippers arrive to perform the lesser pilgrimage.
To ease congestion and enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims, authorities advised worshippers to schedule their Umrah during less busy hours, particularly early in the morning after sunrise or late at night after 2:00 a.m., when the Mataf area surrounding the Kaaba is relatively less crowded.
Pilgrims were also encouraged to arrive at the mosque at least one hour before prayer times to secure space inside the facility and avoid the rush that typically occurs shortly before congregational prayers.
In addition, officials recommended what they described as a “delayed exit strategy,” urging worshippers to remain in the mosque for about 20 to 30 minutes after prayers for supplication or Qur’an recitation, allowing the initial crowd surge to disperse before exiting.
Authorities stressed that the management of the massive crowds is being handled through extensive coordination among security agencies, crowd management teams, and support services working around the clock to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims.
They added that temporary closure of certain gates or the redirection of pathways within the mosque is strictly implemented as a safety measure to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.
Officials reassured pilgrims that although the current Umrah season is witnessing record-breaking turnout, adherence to guidance from authorities and proper planning would help ensure a safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
