Umrah and Visit Forum: Developing the Pilgrims' Experience Globally
Madinah will host the third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum 2026, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Guests of God Service Program. This prominent event will be held at the King Salman International Conference Center and will witness broad international participation, including business leaders, decision-makers, and specialized experts from around the world. This strategic step reflects the rapid and qualitative transformation of the Umrah and visit services system within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with future aspirations.
The development process in serving visitors to the Two Holy Mosques
Historically, since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, making facilitating the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages a top priority. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, these efforts have taken on an innovative institutional character through the establishment of the Guests of God Service Program. The forum is being held within this renewed historical context, representing an extension of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to overcome obstacles and provide a safe and comfortable spiritual environment. Given the remarkable year-on-year increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims and visitors, the urgent need has arisen to reshape the pilgrims' experience according to a comprehensive model. This model goes beyond simply providing traditional services to building a holistic experience that begins from the moment the pilgrim plans their trip in their home country until their safe departure, through an integrated system of logistical, technological, and advanced hospitality services.
Dimensions and impacts of the Umrah and Visit Forum on a global level
The broad international presence at the Umrah and Visit Forum, which includes over 160 speakers and more than 150 exhibitors, along with an expected attendance of over 40,000 visitors, underscores the event's significant importance. Locally, the forum contributes to stimulating the national economy and creating promising investment opportunities for Saudi companies in the transportation and hospitality sectors. Regionally and internationally, the forum reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading Islamic destination and opens up broad horizons for cooperation with Islamic countries and global companies to develop innovative solutions. The forum has become a trusted global platform for exchanging expertise and anticipating the future of the sector, especially in light of the qualitative transformations driven by innovation and digitalization that the world is witnessing today.
Technological innovation and smart crowd management
The forum's dialogue sessions and workshops address pivotal topics related to service integration and enhancing the visitor's cultural and enriching experience. Particular emphasis is placed on the latest solutions in crowd management, smart transportation, hospitality, and digital services. In this modern context, technology is no longer merely a supporting element but has become a fundamental pillar in the operation of Umrah and visitation services. Big data analytics and smart systems are employed to enhance mobility, improve crowd management in holy sites, and provide more efficient and flexible services, thus meeting visitors' expectations and elevating their spiritual experience.
Strategic partnerships towards achieving Vision 2030
The signing of numerous agreements and partnerships during the forum reflects a serious commitment to empowering the investment sector and opening new horizons for local and international companies to actively contribute to service development. The accompanying exhibition provides a dynamic and interactive space showcasing the latest operational models and innovative solutions in sustainability and digital services, allowing participants to learn about global best practices. In conclusion, this major event embodies the Kingdom's firm commitment to reshaping the Hajj and Umrah experience through an integrated system based on service quality, operational efficiency, and the application of technology, thus solidifying its position as a leading global destination and reflecting the wise leadership's keen interest in the sustainable enhancement of this great experience.
