Saudi Arabia has announced a series of steps to make the Hajj journey more convenient for millions of Muslims in 2026. One significant change is the introduction of a temporary housing license system for properties in Makkah and Madinah.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that this initiative has been developed in collaboration with the tourism and housing ministries.
Through this system, property owners will be allowed to rent their spaces to pilgrims with official seasonal approval. This will increase the number of available rooms during the busy Hajj period, while also ensuring safety standards.
To streamline the process, all applications will be processed through the Nusuk Masar platform and the Ministry of Tourism’s digital portal. Authorities emphasized that this online system will make booking easier, reduce mismanagement, and provide pilgrims with more reliable housing options. Hotels with year-round tourism licenses will continue to operate as usual.
For Pakistan, this announcement is welcomed as a relief. Every year, thousands of families face difficulties in finding suitable accommodation. In 2025, Pakistan sent around 189,000 pilgrims, and the government is negotiating for a larger quota of 255,000 pilgrims in 2026.
Officials in Islamabad are also exploring cost-cutting measures, such as the revival of Hajj by sea and expanding Saudi Arabia’s “Road to Makkah” facility to more airports. These steps aim to make the journey more comfortable for elderly and first-time pilgrims.
With these initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to provide a more comfortable, safe, and organized Hajj experience for everyone.
