14.8 million Umrahs in Rajab: Statistics from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
In an achievement reflecting the efficiency of operational plans and the increasing capacity of the Two Holy Mosques, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, announced new record figures for the current Umrah season. Official statistics revealed that the total number of Umrah pilgrims from within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exceeded 14.8 million during the month of Rajab alone.
These impressive figures underscore the success of the strategies implemented to welcome pilgrims. Detailed data reveals that the number of Umrah pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom during the month of Rajab alone exceeded two million, coming from various Islamic and international countries. This figure is a strong indicator of the recovery and rapid growth of the religious tourism sector, thanks to the logistical and digital facilities provided.
Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Service Program
These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the "Guests of God Service Program," which aims to transform the Hajj and Umrah experience. Through this ambitious program, the Kingdom seeks to increase capacity to accommodate 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. Statistics for the month of Rajab demonstrate that the Kingdom is progressing steadily and rapidly towards achieving this strategic objective, supported by massive infrastructure projects, most notably the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque and the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which has facilitated the movement of visitors between Mecca and Medina.
The impact of digital transformation and field facilities
Technology played a pivotal role in accommodating these millions of pilgrims. Digital platforms like Nusuk streamlined visa procedures and enabled online booking of Umrah packages from around the world in just a few minutes. Furthermore, the variety of visa options, including personal, tourist, and transit visas, opened doors for new segments of Muslims to perform the pilgrimage with ease and convenience.
On the ground, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continue to implement joint initiatives to improve the quality of services, starting with managing crowds with artificial intelligence to ensure the smooth flow of Tawaf and Sa’i, and reaching the provision of ambulance, volunteer and guidance services in multiple languages, thus providing a safe and reassuring spiritual environment for the guests of God from the moment of their arrival until their departure.
Religious and economic importance
The month of Rajab holds special significance as one of the sacred months and a prelude to the peak season of Ramadan, explaining the high volume of pilgrims performing Umrah during this time. This surge in Umrah pilgrimages reflects not only its spiritual importance but also its positive economic impact on the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors in Makkah and Madinah, thus bolstering the private sector's contribution to the GDP, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership.
