In a historic move that signals a transformative shift in gender rights and religious practices, Saudi Arabia has officially allowed women to register for the Annual Haj without the requirement of a male guardian, or mahram. The announcement, issued by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, has been hailed as a progressive step forward for women across the Muslim world.
According to updated registration guidelines for this year’s Annual Haj, women can now register individually and also in groups composed entirely of other women, without needing the consent or presence of a male relative. Each person who wants to perform Haj must register separately. The ministry said that women can register with other women without a mahram.
This policy comes in tandem with broader legal reforms introduced by the Kingdom over the past few years, aimed at relaxing long-standing restrictions on women’s autonomy. Everyone who want to perform Haj needs to sign up independently. Women can register with other women without a mahram, according to the government.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the 2025 Annual Haj will again be conducted under strict attendance limitations. Saudi authorities announced that only 60,000 pilgrims, all residing within the Kingdom and fully vaccinated, would be allowed to participate. The Ministry of Haj and Umrah stated that attendees must be between 18 and 65 years of age and free from chronic illnesses.
The pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims from around the world in normal years, will be closed to international pilgrims for the second consecutive year. In 2020, foreign pilgrims made up around 70% of the total attendees, but the pandemic has forced Saudi Arabia to restrict access for safety reasons. The government has communicated this decision globally, informing countries of its inability to accommodate international applicants this year.
The decision to allow women to independently register for the Annual Haj marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Islamic society. Historically, under Saudi Arabia’s guardianship system, adult women required approval from a male guardian—typically a father, husband, or brother, for nearly all aspects of public life, including travel and religious duties.
This new rule is not merely symbolic; it has a real impact on the ability of Muslim women to fulfill one of Islam’s five pillars. For many who may not have a male relative available or willing to accompany them, the restriction previously posed an insurmountable barrier to performing the pilgrimage.
By eliminating this requirement, the Saudi government has empowered more women to exercise their religious rights independently. The reform aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which includes increased participation of women in society, the economy, and public affairs.
As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its social framework, more changes to the religious, legal, and civil status of women are likely to follow. For now, the easing of restrictions on Annual Haj registration sends a strong message: the door to Mecca is open to all qualified pilgrims, regardless of gender or guardianship status.
While pandemic-related attendance caps still limit access to this year’s pilgrimage, the long-term impact of this policy shift will resonate far beyond 2025. It offers new opportunities for women around the world to perform their religious duties with dignity and independence.
