Saudi Arabia Begins Early Preparations for Hajj 1448 AH with Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices in More Than 75 Countries

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season well in advance, holding preparatory meetings with Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices in more than 75 countries worldwide to review operational plans, align procedures and strengthen readiness ahead of the arrival of pilgrims.

The early coordination reflects Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to Hajj planning, giving the ministry and Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices sufficient time to address operational and regulatory requirements and ensure that responsibilities are aligned across the various entities involved in serving pilgrims.

Reviewing Operational Plans for the Next Hajj Season

The meetings cover the operational plans prepared by Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices for Hajj 1448 AH, alongside a review of the regulations and instructions governing Hajj-related activities.

Discussions also address questions and requirements related to the upcoming season, helping resolve operational matters at an early stage and enabling Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices to complete their preparations according to established timelines.

The approach builds on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s broader international coordination efforts. Ahead of Hajj 1447 AH, the ministry signed arrangements governing pilgrims’ affairs with 78 countries approximately six months before the season and held regular meetings with Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices to align plans and standardize procedures.

International Coordination Across More Than 75 Countries

The involvement of Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices in more than 75 countries highlights the scale of international coordination surrounding Hajj, particularly as the Pilgrim Experience ecosystem involves multiple government and operational entities working through integrated plans.

During the previous Hajj season, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah said the Pilgrim Experience system operated through institutional coordination involving more than 60 government and operational entities and more than 600 work plans, under the Hajj Project Management Office.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also maintains official data on Pilgrims’ Affairs Offices representing countries whose pilgrims travel to the Kingdom for Hajj, reflecting the extensive international coordination network supporting the annual pilgrimage.

Early Readiness to Serve Pilgrims

The preparations come as Saudi authorities continue developing the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem and improving the efficiency and quality of services provided to pilgrims.

In July 2026, the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee in Makkah reviewed preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season, alongside updates on the Umrah season and services provided to visitors.

These efforts underscore that Hajj preparations begin long before pilgrims arrive, with advance planning, international coordination and continuous review of procedures helping reduce operational challenges and improve service quality throughout the season.

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The early preparations form part of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program, which focuses on enhancing the pilgrim journey, improving service quality and strengthening integration among the entities involved in the Hajj ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia is also continuing to develop digital and operational solutions supporting Hajj, including the Nusuk platform and the electronic track, designed to facilitate the pilgrim journey from planning and booking through to performing the rituals and departure.

Starting preparations for Hajj 1448 AH at an early stage reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasingly proactive approach to managing the annual pilgrimage through detailed planning, international coordination and integrated services — supporting a more organized, efficient and seamless experience for pilgrims.