MAKKAH: Mount Arafat (Jabal Al-Rahmah) and the Kidana Path in Saudi Arabia received more than 1.1 million visitors between June 25 and July 25, 2026, reflecting the growing appeal of the holy sites and ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience.
Mount Arafat received more than 1,105,020 visitors during the one-month period, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al-Rahmah (“Mount of Mercy”), is one of the holiest sites in Islam. Located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah, it is where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered the Sermon during his Hajj.
The Day of Arafat, the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, is the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat and spend the afternoon in prayer and supplication in a ritual known as Wuquf (standing at Arafat). Performing this ritual is an essential pillar of Hajj.
Visitors benefited from comprehensive organisational, guidance, and support services designed to facilitate smooth movement and ensure a safe and comfortable experience at one of Islam’s most significant religious landmarks.
The Kidana Path, a modern visitor and pilgrim walkway with facilities that enhance access to the holy sites, also attracted 10,294 visitors during the same period.
استقبل جبل الرحمة ومسار كدانة أكثر من 1,115,314 زائرًا خلال الفترة من 25 يونيو إلى 25 يوليو 2026، ضمن جهود شركة كدانة للتنمية والتطوير(الذراع التنفيذي للهيئة الملكية لمدينة مكة والمشاعر)في تطوير وتفعيل الوجهات بالمشاعر وتقديم منظومة متكاملة من الخدمات التي تعزز جودة تجربة الزائر pic.twitter.com/hh4uDRFCDF
— عبدالله دحيم الدهاس (@aldhass) August 2, 2026
The pathway has been equipped with modern amenities, including designated walking tracks, shaded seating areas, misting fans, and sanitary facilities, providing a comfortable environment for pilgrims and visitors, particularly during the summer season.
The figures highlight the increasing interest in visiting the holy sites beyond the Hajj season as Saudi Arabia continues to improve infrastructure and visitor services under its broader development initiatives.
The ongoing initiatives are part of wider efforts to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims and visitors, ensuring they can perform their religious visits in a safe, organised, and welcoming environment.
Tourism in Makkah region
It may be recalled that last month the Makkah Development Authority and the Ministry of Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation, support tourism development in the region, and improve the planning and implementation of joint initiatives and projects.
Also Raead: Saudi Civil Defence Teams Intensify Safety Inspections, Across Arafat
The agreement includes cooperation on studies to activate and rehabilitate tourism sites in the Makkah region, as well as the exchange of geospatial data and the linking of databases to support urban planning and improve decision-making, the SPA reported.
The two sides will also collaborate on training programmes, workforce development, community and volunteer initiatives, support for the nonprofit tourism sector in the Makkah region, and media efforts to promote the region’s tourism potential.
