By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia (Dawan Africa) 2 May 2026
The first group of Somali pilgrims arrived in the Saudi city of Medina on Friday, marking the start of Somalia’s 2026 Hajj season, with more than 11,000 pilgrims expected to travel this year, officials said.
The group, travelling from Hargeisa and Mogadishu, landed at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, where they were received by Somalia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Amin Sheikh Osman, and the head of Somalia’s Hajj Affairs Department, Qadar Haji Zahir.
Officials said the arrivals mark the beginning of the country’s pilgrimage operations, with coordination underway to manage logistics for thousands of Somali pilgrims.
Pilgrims were welcomed with Zamzam water as part of Saudi hospitality, while Somali authorities said preparations had been made to ensure smooth transport, accommodation and overall coordination.
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The pilgrims are expected to spend several days in Medina before travelling to Mecca to perform Hajj rituals.
Ambassador Osman said Somali and Saudi authorities had worked closely to facilitate the pilgrimage, while Zahir said coordination with travel agencies was aimed at ensuring quality services for pilgrims.