Due to events in the region, a special operations room has been activated to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims
This came as part of the speech of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the opening of the “Umrah and Visit Forum,” which is being held at the King Salman International Conference Center in Madinah under the slogan “A History Told at Every Stop,” stressing the high readiness of the Ministry and the relevant authorities to deal with all emerging changes in light of the events taking place in the region.
He explained that the number of Umrah pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom this year reached (18) million pilgrims, with a growth rate that exceeded (214%) compared to the years 2022 and 2025, noting the support and empowerment given by the Kingdom’s leadership - may God support it - and its utmost care for the Umrah and visitation sector, and for the efforts aimed at caring for the guests of God and serving those who visit the Two Holy Mosques.
High satisfaction rate among pilgrims
The Minister noted the increase in pilgrim satisfaction to 94% by 2025, and the doubling of the capacity for visiting the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah), with the number of visitors exceeding 15.6 million last year. He also highlighted the rise in the number of developed historical and cultural sites and destinations to 87.
The third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum serves as a platform for partners to exchange expertise, explore opportunities, and build partnerships. The forum includes an accompanying exhibition featuring over 150 exhibitors and is sponsored by more than 50 partners and sponsors.
It also features over 50 workshops and specialized sessions, along with the signing of more than 5,000 agreements and memoranda of understanding, all contributing to fostering innovation and opening new horizons for developing the Umrah and visit services system.
