Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Hajj marked the lowest turnout in 30 years, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period. Here are the key figures and context:

• Total pilgrims: 1,673,230 (that’s nearly 160,000 fewer than in 2024) Vanguard News+9The Islamic Information+9AP News+9
• International pilgrims: 1,506,576
• Domestic pilgrims: 166,654 
• The off‑record peak remains 3.16 million in 2012 

Why the decline?

1. Economic pressures: Global inflation, expensive travel, lodging, and sacrificial animals made Hajj unaffordable for many from low- and middle-income nations .
2. Stricter entry rules: Ongoing health screenings, tighter visa regulations, and enforcement of “No Hajj without permit,” with over 269,000 unauthorized pilgrims blocked 
3. Extreme heat: Temperatures soared above 40 °C, despite additional shade, cooling systems, drones, and water stations being deployed