MUSCAT : The report showed that the total number of pilgrims from the Sultanate reached 13,484 during the 1447 AH (2026 season), representing 3.6 pilgrims per 1,000 residents aged 18 and above.

Men made up 51 percent of the total, with 6,885 male pilgrims, compared with 6,599 female pilgrims, or 49 percent. Omani citizens accounted for 97 percent of all pilgrims, while expatriates represented the remaining 3 per cent.

The 45-49 age group recorded the highest share of pilgrims at 17 percent, followed by the 40-44 age group at 16 percent.

Geographically, Muscat Governorate topped the list with 3,397 pilgrims, followed by North Al Batinah Governorate with 2,445 and South Al Batinah Governorate with 1,683. Meanwhile, Al Dhahirah Governorate recorded the highest pilgrimage rate relative to population, at 4.5 pilgrims per 1,000 adults.

Air travel remained the preferred mode of transport, accounting for 78 percent of pilgrims, or 10,966 individuals, while 3,034 pilgrims, representing 22 percent, travelled by land.

The report also found that the average cost of performing Hajj by air reached RO 2,013 per person, compared with RO 1,647 for land travel.

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