68 million visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in one month: A Saudi achievement and Vision 2030
The Two Holy Mosques recorded a new record in the number of visitors, as official statistics revealed that more than 68 million visitors and pilgrims were received in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in just one month, in a strong indication of the success of the operational and organizational plans adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the guests of God.
A leap in services and efficiency in crowd management
This impressive figure reflects the high level of preparedness of the service system at the Two Holy Mosques, where the combined efforts of all governmental, security, and service agencies ensure the smooth flow of movement and provide a safe and spiritually enriching environment. These services include continuous sanitization, the distribution of millions of liters of Zamzam water, and transportation services using electric and manual vehicles for the elderly and people with disabilities, in addition to guidance and information services in multiple languages to serve visitors of all nationalities.
Vision 2030 and the objectives of serving the guests of God
These rising numbers cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the "Guests of God Service Program," which aims to transform the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation experience. Through this ambitious vision, the Kingdom seeks to increase its capacity to accommodate 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030. To achieve this, the government has implemented mega-projects, most notably the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque and the development of the Prophet's Mosque's courtyards, which have directly contributed to accommodating this massive influx of people.
Technology and infrastructure as key pillars
Technology played a pivotal role in managing these millions of pilgrims. Smart applications such as "Nusk" and "Tawakkalna" facilitated permit booking and crowd management, reducing congestion and improving organization. Furthermore, the development of transportation infrastructure, including the Haramain High-Speed Railway and the upgraded international airports in Jeddah and Medina, facilitated the arrival of visitors and pilgrims from within the Kingdom and abroad, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading global religious and tourist destination.
Economic and social impact
Beyond its religious and spiritual significance, the influx of 68 million visitors carries significant economic implications, revitalizing the hospitality, transportation, retail, and catering sectors, thus contributing to the diversification of national income sources and the enhancement of local content. This achievement underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's exceptional ability to manage massive crowds efficiently and effectively, setting a global benchmark for managing major religious events.
