Saudi Arabia has recorded a significant milestone in religious tourism as more than 1.2 million Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have arrived since the beginning of the current Umrah season. Starting on Dhul-Hijjah 15 (June 21), this surge marks a 30% increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
Pilgrims entered the Kingdom from 109 different countries, showcasing the global reach and spiritual importance of the Umrah pilgrimage. There is an increasing demand for the pilgrimage experience outside of the required Haj season, as seen by the 27% year-over-year increase in Umrah visa season applications.
The Ministry highlighted that more than 4,200 contracts have been signed between domestic Umrah service providers and international travel agents. These agreements are aimed at improving service quality and building stronger logistical support systems to handle the influx of Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia efficiently.
This growth follows a well-managed Haj season, which featured streamlined procedures, enhanced digital services, and improved multilingual communication. Officials noted that digital transformation, including innovations on the Nusuk platform, has made booking, visa processing, and information access significantly easier for pilgrims from around the world.
The Umrah visa season is now fully integrated with Nusuk—the Kingdom’s official digital platform for pilgrimage—allowing pilgrims to schedule appointments and access multilingual services, guidance, and updates through a user-friendly interface. This has contributed to smoother operations and a more satisfying spiritual experience for all visitors.
During the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 6.5 million international pilgrims performed Umrah, reflecting an 11% increase from the same period in 2024. The Saudi authorities attribute this rise not only to eased entry procedures and technological advancements but also to growing global trust in the Kingdom’s ability to manage mass pilgrimages with safety and care.
Unlike Haj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime and performed during a specific Islamic month, Umrah is a non-mandatory act of worship that can be performed throughout the year. Still, the logistics and spiritual significance involved require meticulous planning and coordination—areas in which Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate global leadership.
To ensure the well-being of the increasing number of Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah has ramped up awareness campaigns, launched new services in multiple languages, and worked closely with health and safety authorities to maintain high standards throughout the season.
As the Umrah visa season progresses, Saudi Arabia remains committed to enhancing its capacity to accommodate millions more, reinforcing its vision of serving as a global hub for Islamic pilgrimage and religious hospitality.
