Achievements of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: 18 million Umrah pilgrims and a growth of 214%
In an achievement reflecting ongoing efforts to develop the Hajj and Umrah services sector, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, announced new record figures that demonstrate the success of the Ministry's strategic plans. His Excellency revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has received more than 18 million Umrah pilgrims over the past three years, registering an exceptional growth rate of 214%. This success is not limited to the numbers alone, but extends to the quality of services provided, with pilgrim satisfaction reaching approximately 94% in 2025, confirming the wise leadership's commitment to providing the best possible services to those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.
Regulations and dates for Umrah visa for the year 1447 AH
In a related matter concerning the meticulous organization of the Umrah season, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah decisive directives regarding the validity and dates of Umrah visas. The Ministry confirmed that the 15th of Shawwal, 1447 AH, will be the last day for those arriving in the Kingdom on an Umrah visa. It also set the first of Dhu al-Qi'dah, 1447 AH, as the final date for all pilgrims to depart Saudi Arabia. The Ministry clarified via its official account on the X platform that the issuance of Umrah visas will cease at the end of the first day of Shawwal.
This meticulous scheduling is part of a proactive plan to organize the Hajj season, ensure smooth traffic flow at air, land, and sea ports, and enhance crowd management efficiency. These measures also serve as a necessary prelude to the transition to the Hajj season, with strict emphasis on the fact that performing the Hajj pilgrimage is exclusively limited to holders of valid Hajj visas; Umrah or visit visas of any kind are not permitted.
Historical context and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This significant increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims cannot be understood in isolation from the broader historical context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques. Since the Kingdom's founding, the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina have undergone successive historical expansions. These recent achievements fall directly under the umbrella of the Guests of God Service Program, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enable the largest possible number of Muslims to perform Hajj and Umrah, with the goal of reaching 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.
Advanced infrastructure has contributed to achieving these figures, such as the operation of the Haramain High-Speed Railway linking Mecca and Medina, the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and the launch of the Nusuk electronic platform, which has created a digital revolution in facilitating visa procedures and booking packages for Muslims from all over the world.
The local and international impact of the growth of the Umrah sector
This rapid growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims has far-reaching positive effects. Domestically, the Hajj and Umrah sector contributes to the revitalization of the national economy, creating thousands of job opportunities for young Saudis in the hospitality, transportation, catering, and religious tourism sectors. It also strengthens the role of the private sector in providing innovative services that enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience.
At the regional and international levels, the unprecedented facilities provided by the Kingdom, such as making Umrah available to holders of all types of tourist and personal visas, reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as the beating heart of the Islamic world. These efforts not only reflect the Kingdom's administrative and logistical efficiency in managing the world's largest human gatherings, but also highlight its noble mission of facilitating Muslims' access to their holy sites with ease and peace of mind.
