45-49 age group recorded highest percentage of Omani pilgrims: NCSI

MUSCAT: The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) has issued a statistical report on pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman for 1447 AH/2026, highlighting key indicators related to the number of pilgrims, their demographic and geographic characteristics, and means of transport used.
The report indicated that the total number of pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman reached approximately 14,000 during 2026, with a pilgrim rate of 3.6 pilgrims per thousand residents aged 18 years and above.
The report noted that males constituted 51 per cent of the total pilgrims, numbering 6,885, compared to 6,599 female pilgrims, representing 49 per cent. Omanis accounted for 97 per cent of the total pilgrims, compared to 3 per cent for expatriates.
The data showed that the 45-49 age group recorded the highest percentage of total pilgrims during 2026, at 17 per cent, followed by the 40-44 age group at 16 per cent.
In terms of geographic distribution, the Governorate of Muscat ranked first among the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman in the number of pilgrims, with a total of 3,397 pilgrims, followed by Al Batinah North (2,445) and Al Batinah South (1,683). The Governorate of Al Dhahirah recorded the highest rate of pilgrims per thousand residents aged 18 years and above, at 4.5 pilgrims.
The report stated that air transport accounted for the largest share of pilgrim movement during 2026, at 78 per cent, with 10,966 pilgrims, compared to 22 per cent for land transport, with 3,034 pilgrims. The average cost of pilgrimage per individual via air transport was RO 2,013, compared to RO 1,647 for land transport.