The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reports that since the season began, there have been over 3.8 million Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, 2.8 million pilgrims from 135 nations travelled overseas on Umrah visas, with the remaining pilgrims being local. In comparison to the same time last year, the ministry reported a 6% increase.

In comparison to the previous season, officials also noted a 33% increase in total pilgrim arrivals, with pilgrims praying in Madinah and Makkah. To guarantee that every pilgrim receives top-notch services, monitoring teams have been assigned.

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh passed away at 82. He was a prominent scholar and head of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Muslim World League’s Supreme Council. Leading key religious and fatwa institutions,

His funeral will be held in Riyadh, with absentee prayers across the Kingdom’s major mosques by order of King Salman.

The Royal Court called his death a significant loss to both Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh was respected globally as a leading Salafi religious authority who dedicated his life to guiding the Muslim Ummah.

NAHCON, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Hold Virtual Meeting on 2026 Hajj Preparations

By

Abdulbasit Abba

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) today 25th August 2025 participated in a virtual meeting with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to deliberate on preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise. 

The session was chaired by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. In the course of the meeting, the Saudi authorities reiterated the important deadlines that remain sacrosanct which include Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in November; 4th January is the last day to finalize camp booking payments and confirmation of service contracts packages. 1st February has been set as deadline for uploading of transport and accommodation contracts on Nusuk Masar Portal while 1st of Shawwal remains strictly the deadline for visa issuance.

Representatives of the Ministry stressed that this deadlines will not shift.

Members from the Hajj and Umar Ministry lamented several incidents involving late preparations from our local end, noting that delays could have negative consequences on the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims.

The Saudi Ministry also appealed to NAHCON to remind Nigerian intending pilgrims of the consequences of visa violation, declaring that anyone caught performing Hajj without Hajj visa will face a penalty of 20,000 Saudi Riyals (N8,158,344) and imprisonment.

In addition, it was emphasized that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be carried out exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.

NAHCON had since reassured the host country of its commitment to cooperation on any arrangement that will ensure welfare and interest of Nigerian pilgrims. The NAHCON Chairman disclosed that Nigeria’s Hajj Commission Will work closely with relevant partners to ensure compliance with all deadlines and requirements, thereby guaranteeing a smooth, well-coordinated, and successful 2026 Hajj operation.