02.01.2026 13:29
On New Year's Eve, a historic crowd gathered at the Kaaba. Just after a record was set with nearly 12 million people performing Umrah between November 20 and December 22, the first hours of the new year saw the Grand Mosque and its surroundings turn into a sea of people; the capacity of the Tawaf area was pushed to its limits.
The Kaaba, in the first hours of the new year, witnessed one of the most intense moments in recent years. After nearly 12 million people performed Umrah between November 20 and December 22, a human wave formed around the Kaaba on New Year's Eve.
CROWDING AROUND THE GRAND MOSQUE PUSHED LIMITS
The holy lands drew attention with the increasing number of visitors throughout December, while the combination of Umrah and Tawaf worship on New Year's Eve pushed the intensity to its peak. Despite all physical measures taken, the crowd around the Grand Mosque pushed the limits; the flow in the Tawaf area occasionally slowed down.
RADICAL MEASURES FROM SAUDI ARABIAN AUTHORITIES
In order to manage the extraordinary density, Saudi Arabian authorities took a series of radical decisions. To accelerate the flow in the Tawaf area and prevent possible stampedes, the prayer areas normally located on the outer edge of the Tawaf were temporarily removed. These areas were completely opened to Tawaf traffic.
ALL FLOORS AND COURTYARDS FILLED
Visitors expressed that there was no place to step not only on the ground floor of the holy sanctuary but also in the upper floors and courtyards. The nearly 12 million Umrah performed throughout December 2025 was cited as the main reason for the density on New Year's Eve.
RARE SCENES IN HISTORY
This significant movement, combined with worship on New Year's Eve, resulted in rare images in the history of the Grand Mosque. Moments when the Tawaf area was completely filled resonated widely on social media.
SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED
Security forces and field officials ensured controlled entry and exit to the Tawaf area by creating barriers and guidance corridors. Authorities stated that including prayer areas in Tawaf had become a necessity, conveying the message that dynamic arrangements could continue for visitor safety.