Hajj and Umrah 1447: Egypt tops the list of Umrah agents with 935 agents
The latest statistics released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reveal that 6,066 authorized agents for Umrah services were registered for the 1447 AH season. This figure reflects the significant expansion of the international service network offered to pilgrims and the high level of operational readiness to accommodate the increasing number of Umrah pilgrims arriving from around the world. These figures coincide with record numbers of Umrah pilgrims, reaching approximately 904,000 , confirming the success of the integrated system managed by the relevant Saudi authorities.
General context and the Kingdom's regulatory efforts
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, places paramount importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating the journeys of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. These efforts are part of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to increase the capacity to receive pilgrims to 30 million Umrah performers annually by 2030. To achieve this, the Ministry has developed an advanced regulatory and technological infrastructure, including electronic platforms such as “Nusk,” which simplifies visa application procedures and service bookings, in addition to adopting a system of accredited external agents to ensure the provision of reliable and high-quality services to pilgrims in their home countries.
Egypt tops the list, followed by Pakistan and Algeria
Statistical data revealed that the distribution of authorized agents spanned dozens of countries, with five countries topping the list, reflecting their significant demographic weight and high demand for Umrah from these regions. Egypt ranked first with 935 authorized agents, representing the largest share of the total and reflecting the high demand from the Egyptian market. Pakistan in second place with 540 agents, and Algeria came in third with 520 agents, a clear indication of the growing number of Umrah pilgrims from North Africa and South Asia.
Yemen ranked fourth with 413 agents, while Sudan in fifth with 407. These five countries together account for nearly half of all registered agents, underscoring their pivotal role in the global Umrah movement and the importance of ongoing coordination with them to ensure smooth pilgrims' journeys.
Importance and expected impact
The increase in the number of accredited agents is not merely a statistic; it carries significant implications on several levels. Locally , this expansion reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global administrative and logistical hub for Hajj and Umrah, and supports the local economy by stimulating the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors. Regionally and internationally , this system contributes to strengthening bilateral relations with Islamic countries and provides a regulatory framework that protects pilgrims from fraudulent companies and scams, ensuring a safe and accessible spiritual experience. Furthermore, this growth in the agent network is a testament to international confidence in Saudi regulatory procedures and encourages more companies worldwide to engage in this vital sector.
