Saudi Arabia has announced a new record for the highest number of Umrah pilgrims in a single day during the holy month of Ramadan. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, a total of 904,000 people performed Umrah, surpassing the previous record of 500,000 pilgrims set on March 7, 2025. The surge in attendance at the Grand Mosque in Mecca prompted authorities to implement strict safety and crowd management measures.

To manage the large influx, the open marble courtyard around the Kaaba, known as the Mataf area, was reserved exclusively for Umrah pilgrims throughout the day. Saudi authorities reported that the Grand Mosque experiences particularly heavy crowds during Friday prayers and the Maghrib, Isha, Tarawih, and late-night Tahajjud prayers in the last ten days of Ramadan. Worshippers were urged to follow official guidance and pray in designated open areas when the mosque reaches capacity.

Authorities also enforced directional signage for entry and exit, banned gatherings on walkways and roads, and introduced special traffic controls around the mosque. Unauthorized motorcycles and bicycles were prohibited, and improperly parked vehicles posing safety risks faced legal action under traffic laws.