The Minister of Islamic Affairs launches the second phase of awareness campaign for Umrah pilgrims
His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and General Supervisor of the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah and Visitation, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, inaugurated today the second phase of the Umrah awareness program. This program, implemented by the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness, aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims during this year's Umrah season.
Figures and statistics for the second phase
The second phase, which continues until the end of the Umrah season, aims to provide more than 18,863,500 religious and awareness services. With these figures, the total number of services provided this year rises to approximately 29,351,900, covering all locations where pilgrims and visitors are present in the Makkah and Madinah regions. These services include answering religious inquiries, distributing publications, and delivering educational lessons.
Digital transformation in serving the pilgrims
In keeping with technological advancements, the Ministry has focused in this phase on intensifying electronic efforts to reach the largest possible segment of pilgrims in multiple international languages. The operational plan for the second phase includes:
- (6,000,000) awareness messages were broadcast via electronic screens in central areas and mosques.
- Sending (12,000,000) directive text messages (SMS) to the phones of pilgrims.
- Receiving and responding to (400,000) calls via the free telephone dedicated to issuing fatwas.
Promoting moderation and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These efforts are part of a broader strategic plan aimed at establishing a moderate and balanced approach, spreading the values of tolerance, and teaching pilgrims the correct way to perform Umrah according to the Quran and Sunnah, avoiding extremism and innovation. The program also includes the implementation of 13,500 outreach activities, including lectures, lessons, and sermons, in addition to distributing 300,000 books and informational pamphlets.
These programs are of particular importance in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to increase the capacity for Umrah pilgrims to 30 million annually. This numerical expansion necessitates accompanying awareness and guidance programs to ensure the smooth performance of rituals and the tranquility of visitors. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is working to achieve this by developing the religious awareness system and harnessing all available human and technological resources to serve those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership – may God support them.
