A guide to Umrah and visitation in 16 languages to facilitate the journey of the guests of God
A pioneering step towards enriching the experience of pilgrims and visitors
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the launch of an interactive “Umrah and Visit Guide,” available in 16 different international languages. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the journey of pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and comfort, and enhancing their spiritual and religious experience from the moment they arrive until their departure.
General context and keeping pace with Saudi Vision 2030
This step derives its importance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s historical role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for their visitors from around the world. With the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors annually, the need has become paramount to provide modern guidance tools that transcend language barriers. The launch of this multilingual guide falls within the objectives of the “Guests of God Service Program,” one of the executive programs of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation experience by harnessing the latest technologies to deliver high-quality services.
Comprehensive content and interactive design
The “Umrah and Visit Guide” is designed as a comprehensive educational resource to accompany pilgrims and visitors at every stage of their journey. The guide employs a chronological approach, covering everything from pre-travel preparations and visa and permit procedures to a detailed explanation of how to perform rituals such as Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa'i. It also addresses the etiquette of visiting the Two Holy Mosques and provides organizational and behavioral guidelines to ensure public order and smooth flow of movement. To enhance its usefulness, the guide includes visual elements and interactive digital links that direct users to maps, educational videos, and support service platforms.
Importance and expected impact
Internationally, this guide serves as a bridge for cultural and civilizational exchange, ensuring that reliable and accurate information reaches millions of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims, thus reducing reliance on potentially misleading unofficial sources. Domestically, it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to digital transformation across all its services and reinforces its image as a leading nation in managing and organizing Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages with the highest standards of efficiency and professionalism. The guide is expected to contribute to raising awareness among pilgrims, reducing regulatory violations, and improving the overall quality of services provided to them, making their journey more peaceful and focused on worship.
