President Adama Barrow is set to depart The Gambia on Thursday, 9 July 2026, for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the Office of the President has announced.

According to a media release issued by State House on Wednesday, the President and his delegation will leave Banjul International Airport at 10:30am.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place on specific dates in the Islamic calendar.

State House did not disclose the duration of President Barrow’s visit or indicate when he is expected to return to The Gambia.

The trip comes shortly after the President hosted Africa’s richest businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during the 2026 Africa Caucus meeting held in Banjul.