ع
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques released statistics showing that 21,615,977 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during September 2026. Of this total, 2,124,421 visitors paid their respects at the tomb of the Prophet and his companions while 1,449,791 performed prayers in the Rawdah Al-Sharifah, according to the authority’s report distributed by the Saudi Press Agency. These numbers illustrate the steady flow of worshippers to the site even after the main Hajj season has concluded. The authority has maintained detailed tracking of such visits to guide its service planning across the mosque complex.
Wayfinding services assisted 355,130 visitors and guest care centers supported 287,886 individuals during the month, the authority said. Mobile cart services benefited 308,261 people with an additional 79,599 receiving specialized assistance for the elderly and persons with disabilities. The integrated support network reflects coordinated operations managed by multiple directorates under the authority. Such provisions help accommodate the diverse needs of both local residents and international pilgrims arriving throughout the year.
The Prophet’s Mosque Library received 81,243 visitors while the on-site exhibitions drew 137,867 people seeking educational enrichment, according to the authority. These programs form part of a wider effort to combine spiritual worship with opportunities for learning about Islamic history and heritage. The authority has expanded such cultural offerings in conjunction with physical improvements to the mosque facilities. Visitor feedback has consistently highlighted the value of these complementary activities.
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques oversees all aspects of operations at the Prophet’s Mosque, a responsibility that traces back through several major expansion projects. Saudipedia data indicates that the capacity of the Prophet’s Mosque now reaches around two million worshippers during peak periods following successive Saudi-era enlargements. This growth in infrastructure has enabled the site to manage sustained high volumes of visitors without compromising safety or comfort standards. Annual tallies have regularly exceeded hundreds of millions in recent Islamic years.
Earlier assessments from the authority placed the number of worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque above 200 million during the first 10 months of the Islamic calendar in 2023. The September 2026 figure of more than 21 million continues this trend of strong attendance at the second holiest site in Islam. Global interest in the mosque remains high among Muslims from across the world who incorporate visits during Umrah or independent travel. The authority uses these periodic reports to demonstrate the effectiveness of its ongoing service enhancements.
The authority noted that the latest statistics reflect its continuous efforts to deliver high-quality services that enrich the experience of visitors and facilitate prayer in an atmosphere of tranquility. Multiple departments collaborate to eliminate obstacles and maintain smooth operations at the mosque. This focus has become a defining feature of management at both holy sites in the Kingdom. The approach supports Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting millions of faithful each year.
