Iran Seeks Higher Hajj Quota from Saudi Arabia for 2026

Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization has formally requested Saudi Arabia to raise the quota for Iranian pilgrims for the Hajj season in 2026, citing that the current allocation does not reflect Iran’s Muslim population size. The request also included operational matters such as use of Ta’if airport and increasing flight capacity.

Iran’s Request to Increase Hajj Quota

As reported by Hassan Hosseini of Iran International, Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization conveyed to Saudi Arabia the need to increase the number of Iranian pilgrims permitted for Hajj 2026. During a recent meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi, Alireza Rashidian, Iran’s Hajj chief, noted that last year’s quota was approximately 85,000 pilgrims. He requested a higher allocation to correspond more closely with Iran’s population of roughly 91 million, arguing the current quota underrepresents the country’s Muslim population.

Saudi Arabia traditionally allocates Hajj slots based on a formula set in 1987, which allocates about one pilgrim per thousand Muslims in a country. According to this formula, Indonesia receives 221,000 Hajj slots, Pakistan 180,000, India 175,000, and Iran approximately 87,550. Iran’s officials view the quota as unfair relative to their sizeable Muslim population and growing demand for pilgrimage permits.

Operational Discussions and Pilgrim Services

In addition to the quota request, Rashidian raised operational issues including utilisation of Ta’if airport for pilgrims and the possibility of increasing flight capacity via Saudi airlines to better accommodate Iranian pilgrims. Saudi Ambassador al-Anzi responded positively to Iran’s request, congratulating Rashidian on his appointment and expressing hope for continuing the positive and constructive cooperation between the two countries concerning Hajj operations.

Rashidian also highlighted that Iran's Hajj services last year received the "Labaytum Award" for excellence. Furthermore, he mentioned concluding accommodation contracts for Hajj 2026, noting a 3-5% reduction in housing prices compared to the previous year. Transport and food contracts are also in negotiation to finalise the overall cost for pilgrims, allowing for the commencement of official registration for the pilgrimage.

Pilgrim Registration and Statistics for Hajj 2026

Iranian officials indicate that over 52,000 Iranians have registered for Hajj 2026, with nearly 29,000 women and over 23,000 men signed up. The average age of pilgrims is about 57 years, consistent with last year. Registration is led predominantly by pilgrims from Razavi Khorasan and Tehran provinces.

There has also been an increase in Umrah pilgrimage trips. Since August 2025, over 54,000 Iranians have embarked on Umrah pilgrimages from 17 different flight stations to the holy cities of Jeddah and Medina. The Iranian Hajj organization expects more Umrah applicants in the upcoming months of Rajab, Shaaban, and Ramadan, with a university student Umrah program scheduled to begin mid-November.

Hajj Quota Allocations and Regional Context

Saudi Arabia’s quota system for Hajj pilgrims remains largely dependent on the formula that evaluates the Muslim population size in each country. However, political relations influence the quota, notably for Iran, where ongoing tensions have limited the quota size despite the notable Muslim population.

For 2025, Saudi Arabia allocated 87,550 Hajj slots to Iran. In comparison, Indonesia received 221,000 pilgrims, Pakistan 180,000, and India 175,000. Other countries with significant quotas include Bangladesh (127,000 pilgrims), Nigeria (95,000), Algeria (41,300), Turkey (37,770), Egypt (35,375), and Sudan (32,000).

Importance of the Hajj Pilgrimage and Economic Impact

Hajj is a major religious event drawing millions of Muslims worldwide annually to Mecca. Saudi Arabia manages the pilgrimage through quotas to balance demand with logistical considerations, such as crowd control and safety. The pilgrimage is economically significant to Saudi Arabia, generating approximately $12 billion yearly. The Kingdom is also working on a Vision 2030 plan to increase religious tourism, aiming to welcome 30 million pilgrims annually by the end of this decade.

Iran’s formal request to Saudi Arabia to increase the Hajj quota aligns with its desire to better reflect the country’s sizeable and growing Muslim population. Alongside the quota issue, Iran has taken steps to improve logistical arrangements for pilgrims, including accommodation, transportation, and added airport use. Saudi Arabia has shown constructive cooperation so far, with hopes of continuing this positive trend in operational relations. The 2026 Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place around late May, marking an important ongoing dialogue between two key Muslim nations on religious and diplomatic cooperation.