Prophet’s Mosque Records More Than 21.6 Million Visitors

The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah received 21,615,977 visitors during September 2026, according to figures announced by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) published the report on 19 October 2026, highlighting the scale of visitor activity and the support services available at the holy site.

The figures offer useful context for Muslims planning Umrah and a visit to Madinah. Pilgrims can use this information as a reminder to prepare their accommodation, transport and Ziyarat arrangements in advance, particularly when travelling with elderly family members or visiting as part of an organised group.

September 2026 Visitor Figures

The official report provided the following breakdown of visits and service usage at the Prophet’s Mosque:

Source: Saudi Press Agency, 19 October 2026.

These figures cover different visitor activities and services. They should not be added together to calculate unique visitors because the categories may overlap.

What the Visitor Figures Mean for Umrah Pilgrims

Madinah is an important destination for many Muslims undertaking Umrah. Although visiting the Prophet’s Mosque is not a condition for the validity of Umrah, many pilgrims include time in Madinah in their wider religious journey.

The September statistics demonstrate the substantial number of people visiting the mosque and using its facilities. They do not, by themselves, establish the current crowd level, predict future waiting times or indicate how busy a particular date will be.

Travellers should therefore use the figures as background information rather than as a live crowd forecast.

1. Plan Your Madinah Ziyarat in Advance

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, confirm the number of nights you intend to spend in Madinah and how you will travel between your hotel and the Prophet’s Mosque. If Madinah follows your stay in Makkah, allow sufficient time for the intercity journey, hotel check-in and rest.

Keep your daily schedule flexible so that delays, fatigue or changes to transport arrangements do not disrupt the rest of your trip.

2. Check Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah Arrangements

Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah is a particularly significant prayer area within the Prophet’s Mosque. The September report recorded 1,449,791 people who prayed there.

Pilgrims wishing to pray in Al-Rawdah should check the latest official access arrangements and permit requirements through the relevant Saudi government channels, including the Nusuk platform where applicable. Do not assume that a hotel reservation, Umrah package or visa automatically guarantees access at a preferred time.

Availability and entry procedures should be confirmed through official channels before travelling.

3. Consider Accommodation Location and Transport

When comparing Umrah packages that include Madinah, check the hotel's exact location, walking distance from the mosque, transport arrangements and the services included in the quoted price.

A package described as being in Madinah does not necessarily include accommodation within walking distance of the Prophet’s Mosque. Ask the provider to confirm the hotel name and location in writing before making a payment.

Families travelling with children, older relatives or people with limited mobility may also wish to discuss accessibility and transport needs before departure.

4. Understand the Available Visitor Support Services

Saudi authorities reported that 355,130 visitors used wayfinding services and 287,886 used guest care centres during September 2026. The report also recorded visits to the mosque library and exhibitions.

These figures indicate that visitor assistance and educational facilities form part of the wider visitor experience. However, travellers should confirm the location, opening arrangements and availability of any specific service they need rather than assuming that every facility operates at all times.

Pilgrims who require mobility assistance should discuss their requirements with their tour operator and check the current arrangements at the mosque.

How UmrahOne Can Help With Your Travel Planning

For travellers arranging Umrah from Pakistan or other international markets, preparation should cover more than the visa and flight booking. It is also important to review the accommodation, transfers, length of stay and any planned visit to Madinah.

Before confirming a package, ask for a written breakdown of the included services, hotel details, transport arrangements, payment conditions and cancellation terms. Verify visa and entry requirements against current official guidance for your nationality and travel dates.

UmrahOne readers can use these checks when comparing travel arrangements and preparing questions for their booking provider. Specific package prices, hotel availability and service inclusions should be confirmed directly before payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people visited the Prophet’s Mosque in September 2026?

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques reported 21,615,977 visitors during September 2026. The announcement was published by SPA .

How many people prayed in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah?

The official September report recorded 1,449,791 visitors who prayed in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah. This is a reported monthly figure, not a measure of current permit availability.

Do I need a separate permit to pray in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah?

Access is subject to the applicable Saudi procedures. Check the latest official instructions and permit arrangements through Nusuk or the relevant Saudi authority before your visit.

Is visiting Madinah compulsory for Umrah?

No. Visiting Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque is not a condition for the validity of Umrah. Many pilgrims choose to include Madinah in their wider journey.

How should I choose a Madinah hotel for my Umrah trip?

Compare the hotel's exact location, distance from the mosque, transport options, accessibility, included services and cancellation terms. Obtain the hotel name and booking details in writing.

Do the September figures mean Madinah will be equally crowded in October or November?

No. The figures describe September 2026 only. They cannot establish current crowd levels or predict the number of visitors on a future date.

What should Pakistani pilgrims prepare before travelling for Umrah?

Confirm passport and visa requirements, applicable health requirements, flights, hotel bookings, airport transfers and any relevant Rawdah arrangements. Check current requirements with official authorities and your booking provider.