11.9 million Umrah pilgrims in Jumada al-Thani: Official statistics from the Ministry of Hajj

In a new achievement reflecting the efficiency of operational plans and the increasing capacity of the Two Holy Mosques, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, announced new record numbers of Umrah pilgrims. Official statistics revealed that the total number of Umrah pilgrims from within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the month of Jumada al-Thani alone exceeded 11.9 million, a figure that reflects a growing trend in the number of pilgrims visiting the holy sites.

Statistics and numbers of pilgrims

Detailed data from relevant authorities revealed that this substantial figure includes Umrah pilgrims from among citizens and residents, in addition to pilgrims arriving from abroad. Statistics recorded that the number of Umrah pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom during the same month exceeded 1.7 million, coming from various Islamic and international countries. This significant influx is a result of the logistical facilities and multiple visa options recently introduced by the Kingdom, which facilitated arrival procedures and enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.

Vision 2030 and digital transformation in serving the pilgrims

These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes serving pilgrims. The Vision aims to increase the Kingdom's capacity to accommodate 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030. To achieve this, the Kingdom has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, such as the unified "Nusk" platform, which facilitates the online booking of permits and Umrah packages, eliminating many previous bureaucratic hurdles and contributing to a higher quality of the religious experience.

Developing the services and infrastructure system

This success in managing millions of pilgrims is attributed to the tremendous development in transportation and services, including the Haramain High-Speed ​​Railway and the expansion of the circumambulation area (Mataf) and the northern courtyards, which have allowed for the accommodation of larger numbers simultaneously while maintaining smooth traffic flow. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques works around the clock to ensure the cleanliness and sanitization of the Two Holy Mosques, and to provide water, guidance, and information in multiple languages, guaranteeing that every pilgrim can perform their rituals in a safe and spiritually enriching environment.

Economic and social impact

Beyond its religious and spiritual significance, this surge in Umrah pilgrims carries important economic and social implications, contributing to the revitalization of the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors in Mecca and Medina. It also reinforces the Kingdom's position as a hub for the Islamic world, underscoring its remarkable ability to efficiently and effectively manage massive crowds and its ongoing commitment to providing a comprehensive and accessible religious experience for every Muslim wishing to visit the Holy Kaaba.