The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the opening of preliminary registration for citizens and residents wishing to perform Hajj for the 1447 AH (2026 CE) Hajj season. The Ministry clarified that this initial step is conducted exclusively through the unified digital platform “Nusk,” accessible via its official website or mobile application, as part of its early preparations for organizing the upcoming Hajj season and facilitating procedures for pilgrims.
General context and digital transformation in Hajj services
This announcement comes as part of the Kingdom's comprehensive digital transformation strategy, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage experience and improve the efficiency of services provided to pilgrims. The "Nusk" platform, launched as the official portal for Hajj and Umrah services, represents the culmination of these efforts. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, from trip planning and visa issuance to registration, package selection, and providing complete guidance in multiple languages. This shift from traditional procedures to a unified digital platform ensures greater transparency, reduces the role of unauthorized intermediaries, and provides pilgrims with a direct and secure channel to fulfill all their requirements.
The importance of early registration, booking dates, and payment
The Ministry confirmed that the current data registration phase is a preliminary and essential step, preceding the final booking and package selection phase. According to the announced schedule, registered pilgrims will be able to choose from various Hajj packages and pay the required fees starting from the 15th of Ramadan, 1447 AH. The importance of early registration lies in the fact that it allows the Ministry and organizing bodies to obtain accurate data on the expected number of pilgrims, which aids in effective logistical planning, resource allocation, and better camp allocation in the holy sites. Early registration also gives those wishing to perform Hajj ample time to review the available options and plan their spiritual journey without undue haste.
Expected impact at the local and international levels
At the local level, these organized procedures contribute to enhancing the efficiency of crowd management, which is one of the biggest challenges during the Hajj season, and ensure the provision of high-quality services in the areas of transportation, accommodation, catering, and healthcare. Internationally, the Kingdom's success in organizing the Hajj season annually reinforces its position as a leader of the Islamic world and custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Adopting the latest technologies to facilitate the Hajj journey not only reflects the Kingdom's commitment to serving the pilgrims but also presents a global model for managing major events, thus enhancing the Kingdom's positive image on the world stage. The Ministry called upon all eligible citizens and residents to register their information through official channels to avoid any delays that might affect their opportunity to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.
