By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Djibouti, 3 May 2026 – Djibouti sent its first Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with 140 people aboard three flights.
Officials responsible for Hajj operations said travel arrangements, documentation, health services and other related support had been strengthened to ease the journey for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
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Djibouti sends more than 1,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia every year to perform Hajj, one of the main pillars of Islam.
The departure of Djibouti’s pilgrims comes as part of wider preparations for Hajj 1447H/2026, as Saudi Arabia begins receiving pilgrims from different countries. Saudi airlines have said they have expanded Hajj operations, with flights planned for several countries, including Djibouti.
This year’s Hajj comes as Saudi Arabia has tightened the permit system to control unauthorised pilgrims and reduce the administrative and security pressures caused by large crowds.