By Nworisa Michael
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have advised pilgrims to carefully plan their visits to the Masjid al-Haram following a sharp increase in Umrah attendance in the holy city of Makkah.
Officials revealed that on the fourth day of Ramadan, corresponding to February 21, 2026, about 904,000 pilgrims performed Umrah in a single day, marking the highest number of worshippers recorded at the Grand Mosque within 24 hours.
The announcement comes amid viral social media videos showing large crowds around the Kaaba. Authorities, however, explained that live broadcasts from the mosque sometimes appear calmer because congestion usually occurs during peak periods.
According to officials, crowd density changes throughout the day, with the busiest times often recorded between Iftar and Tarawih prayers, as well as during weekends when more worshippers arrive for the lesser pilgrimage.
To reduce congestion and improve the experience for pilgrims, authorities encouraged worshippers to perform Umrah during less busy hours, particularly early in the morning after sunrise or late at night after 2:00 a.m., when the Mataf area around the Kaaba is relatively less crowded.
Pilgrims were also advised to arrive at the mosque at least one hour before prayer times to secure space and avoid the rush that usually occurs shortly before congregational prayers.
In addition, officials recommended what they described as a “delayed exit strategy,” encouraging worshippers to remain inside the mosque for about 20 to 30 minutes after prayers for supplication or Qur’an recitation to allow the initial crowd surge to disperse.
Authorities stressed that the management of the large crowds involves close coordination among security agencies, crowd control teams, and support services working around the clock to ensure the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims.
They added that temporary closure of certain gates or the redirection of pathways within the mosque may be implemented when necessary as safety measures to prevent overcrowding.
Despite the record turnout this season, officials assured pilgrims that adherence to guidelines and proper planning would help ensure a safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling Umrah experience.
