Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somalia has signed the 1447/2026 Hajj quota agreement with Saudi Arabia, setting the country’s official pilgrim allocation at 11,500 people for the upcoming Hajj season. The agreement was signed on Tuesday in Jeddah by Somali Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
Minister Robow is leading a Somali delegation currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the annual Hajj and Umrah Services Exhibition, widely known as Hajj Expo. The international event brings together officials and representatives from Muslim nations around the world to discuss, coordinate, and improve the services offered to pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. It also serves as a platform for countries to showcase their management systems, innovations, and hospitality arrangements for worshippers traveling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
This year, Somalia received global recognition for its improved organization and the quality of services provided to its pilgrims. According to the 2025 international rankings, Somalia was placed 4th among all participating countries for excellence in pilgrim services. This is a major milestone for the country, which has made significant progress in managing pilgrim affairs in recent years. At the Hajj Expo, Somalia was also honored with a dedicated pavilion, where the delegation highlighted the systems and initiatives designed to make the pilgrimage experience smoother, safer, and more affordable for Somali citizens.
Speaking during the signing event, Minister Robow expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their ongoing cooperation and support in helping Somali pilgrims perform Hajj with comfort and dignity. He emphasized that the new agreement not only strengthens the long-standing ties between Somalia and Saudi Arabia but also reflects the growing capability of Somali institutions to meet international service standards.
The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has announced that the full Hajj package price for 1447/2026 will be capped at $4,543.50. The Ministry has strictly prohibited any payments or bookings until the official fee is formally announced. This move is aimed at protecting Somali pilgrims from being exploited by unlicensed agents and ensuring that all payments are made through authorized and transparent channels.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to improving Hajj administration through digital registration systems, training programs for service providers, and coordination with airlines and accommodation partners. Efforts are underway to streamline visa processing, flight arrangements, and logistical support to make the Hajj journey more organized and spiritually fulfilling.
For many Somalis, the pilgrimage to Mecca is a lifelong dream, and this agreement marks another important step toward ensuring that the process is well-regulated, affordable, and accessible to all eligible citizens. With Somalia earning recognition for excellence among top global performers, the country’s religious affairs sector continues to demonstrate steady growth and professionalism in managing one of the most significant spiritual duties in Islam.