Jakarta (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabiah announced Thursday that contracts for managing hajj for more than one million pilgrims have been finalized six months ahead of the 2026 season.

“This is a historic achievement, completed six months before hajj begins — a reflection of the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure a smooth and organized pilgrimage,” Tawfiq said at the closing ceremony of the 5th Saudi Hajj Conference and Exhibition at Jeddah Super Dome.

The conference, held from Nov. 9-12, hosted over 160,000 visitors and delegates from more than 150 countries, involving 300 government and private institutions.

Indonesia’s delegation was led by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf. According to a press release from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, attendance rose 33 percent compared with last year.

Tawfiq said Saudi Arabia has signed hajj contracts with 77 countries, while the private sector has completed nearly 3,000 contracts with hajj operators worldwide.

Related news: Indonesia, Saudi Arabia ink MoU on 2026 Hajj pilgrimage

During the event, Tawfiq and Irfan signed a memorandum of understanding on organizing the 2026 hajj season, confirming Indonesia’s quota of 221,000 pilgrims. Both parties emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation to ensure a successful hajj season.

The Saudi Hajj Conference and Exhibition serves as a strategic platform for government agencies, organizations, private sector actors, and international delegates to share expertise in managing pilgrimage services.

The goal is to guarantee the safety, smooth operation, and quality experience for pilgrims, while building sustainable operational frameworks.

Looking ahead, the Forum on Umrah and Ziyarah will be held in Madinah in January to further enhance technical skills and expand international cooperation in hajj and umrah services, the ministry said.

Related news: Indonesia to add more female guides for women pilgrims in 2026 Hajj



Translator: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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