Viral ‘11 million in a day’ Makkah claim clarified by official Umrah records

Viral social media posts claiming that 11 million visitors gathered in Makkah in a single day on February 23, 2026, have sparked widespread attention. However, official data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah indicates that such figures typically reflect monthly totals, not daily attendance.

Where the “11 million” figure likely comes from

The confusion appears to stem from recent record-breaking monthly milestones:

• Monthly record (late 2025): A historic 11.7 million pilgrims performed Umrah during the month of Rabi Al Thani (September–October 2025).

• Rajab peak (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026): During the month of Rajab, Masjid al-Haram welcomed approximately 35 million worshippers overall, with nearly 14.9 million performing Umrah rituals over the 30-day period.

These figures are cumulative across an entire month, not a single day.

What is the highest recorded single-day attendance?

For context, the highest officially recorded single-day Umrah attendance was approximately 500,000 pilgrims during Ramadan 2025. This benchmark provides perspective on operational capacity and crowd management thresholds within the Grand Mosque complex.

Given infrastructure, safety protocols, and logistical constraints, a single-day total of 11 million visitors would represent an unprecedented surge far beyond previously documented peaks.

Ramadan 2026: Peak season underway

Ramadan 2026 began around February 18, marking the start of Makkah’s busiest annual period. As worshippers gather for Umrah and nightly Taraweeh prayers, authorities have intensified crowd management systems to ensure safety and smooth movement.

Key measures include:

• Real-time monitoring: Implementation of barcode-based entry systems and AI-powered sensors at major entrances to monitor crowd density in the Mataf (circumambulation area) and Mas’a (Sa’i corridor).

• Digital permits: Mandatory booking and permit issuance via the Nusuk platform to regulate visitor flow and maintain safe capacity levels.

The bottom line

While Makkah continues to witness record-breaking monthly attendance figures, there is no official confirmation supporting claims of 11 million visitors in a single day. Authorities consistently report such numbers as cumulative monthly totals.

As Ramadan progresses, crowd management remains a top priority to accommodate millions of worshippers while ensuring safety at Islam’s holiest site.