Saudi Arabia Discusses Preparations for the 2026 Hajj during the US-Israel War vs Iran
JAKARTA - The Saudi Arabian government has made a number of preparations to welcome the 2026 hajj season by drafting operational and readiness indicators, as well as improving coordination.
In the midst of the US-Israeli war against Iran, citing Arab media, Aawsat, the Hajj and Umrah Committee remained led by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz along with Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz held a meeting on Wednesday, April 1 local time.
The two discussed a number of scenarios to ensure that Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to host the 2026 Hajj season.
The meeting also talked about the development of the increase in the Haji and Umrah terminal complex at King Abdulaziz International Airport with the first and second phase projects that have been completed.
A different meeting took place in Madinah between Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and the regional Hajj and Umrah Committee represented by Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz. The two discussed the Saudi government's preparations for the Hajj season before Eid al-Fitr on May 27, 2026.
In his discussion, Prince Salman initially appreciated the success of the implementation of worship during the month of Ramadan 2026 at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina thanks to the coordinated readiness so that worshipers carry out worship in a calm and safe state.
He then alluded to Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz who called for improved services and ensuring security during the 2026 Hajj season which could take place amid the war raging in the Middle East.
Prince Salman also stressed the need for proactive planning and full readiness of all stakeholders from government elements, service agencies and volunteers to strengthen the facilities and services of the 2026 Hajj pilgrims.
The meeting in Madinah issued recommendations to support entities related to the congregation service at the Prophet's Mosque during the 2026 Hajj season.
Prince Salman also received a briefing from the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq al-Rabiah, accompanied by the CEO of the Hajj Umrah Experience Program Mohammed Ismail, on a digital dashboard designed to monitor the readiness of Hajj projects and improve coordination.
Al-Rabiah said the platform allows for continuous monitoring through daily updates, including readiness plans and performance indicators, project progress at the holy sites, alignment of operational plans, and integration with a central database.