Medina Welcomes First Post-Hajj Arrivals
This is as Saudi Arabia has completed extensive preparations across the Medina region’s road network.
Authorities said that a comprehensive package of field, transport and organizational services had been activated to facilitate their arrival and movement across the city.
Although a visit to Medina is not part of the formal Hajj pilgrimage, the city remains one of the most important destinations for Muslims, who travel there to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque and visit historic Islamic sites associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The annual movement of pilgrims from Mecca to Medina after Hajj is among the country’s largest recurring travel operations.
The Roads General Authority said that it had finalized a comprehensive operational plan to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims into the region, carrying out a broad program of maintenance and safety upgrades ahead of the seasonal influx.
The authority reported that more than 906,000 sq. meters of asphalt pavement were assessed, while 4,000 meters of metal and concrete barriers were installed and 3,300 meters of fencing underwent maintenance. Additional work included repairs along more than 400 km of roads, the installation of 145 directional and warning signs, and the application of 435,000 linear meters of road markings to improve safety and traffic flow.
More than 20 advanced technologies have been deployed to monitor road conditions and support field operations, while the authority has activated its 938 call center to receive reports and provide assistance around the clock. A network of 300 field inspectors has also been deployed across the country to oversee road operations and respond to incidents in real time.
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Hajj authorities and other government agencies in Medina have meanwhile heightened readiness to receive large numbers of pilgrims during the post-Hajj season. Working in coordination with security forces, field teams continue operations at temporary reception centers to organize and direct arriving buses, while immigration facilities process air and sea travelers and dedicated reception centers handle pilgrims arriving by land within a round-the-clock logistical framework.
According to official statistics, 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj this year, up 2.04 percent from 2025. Of the total, 1,546,655 arrived from outside the Kingdom, including 1,485,729 who traveled by air, while 160,646 were citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said earlier that more than 173,000 flights carrying pilgrims arrived from 366 destinations ahead of the pilgrimage. Thousands of train journeys and bus trips were also operated to move worshippers between Mecca, Medina and the holy sites.
Source: Arab News
