Saudi Arabia’s bold push to expand and elevate services for pilgrims are vividly reflected in the sharp rise in international Umrah arrivals, which more than doubled between 2022 and 2025.
A Surge in Pilgrim Arrivals
The number of pilgrims arriving from abroad climbed from nearly 8.4 million to 18 million, highlighting the growing scale of the Kingdom’s Hajj and Umrah services.
The increase was also evident in Madinah, where visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah at the Prophet’s Mosque grew from around 6 million to approximately 16 million over the same period, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said.
He attributed the growth to continuous service development and coordinated efforts among the relevant authorities.
A Unified National Effort
These figures were revealed and discussed during a ministerial session titled “Serving the Pilgrims: An Integrated National Ecosystem,” held on the second day of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah on Monday.
The session brought together representatives of key government and executive bodies to explore how their efforts could be better coordinated, strengthen joint cooperation and enhance preparedness for the 1448 AH Hajj season.
The discussion featured Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami and Makkah Mayor Musaed Al-Dawood, alongside Al-Rabiah.
Delivering services on this scale hinges on the ability of multiple institutions to operate within a coordinated framework. More than 60 government agencies contribute to the Hajj system, implementing around 600 operational plans annually, Al-Rabiah noted.
The Hajj Projects Management Office plays a central role in bringing these plans together, ensuring that responsibilities are aligned, potential overlaps are addressed and operational indicators are continuously monitored through the Command and Control Center.
Setting Higher Safety Standards
Remarkably, accommodation quality is another significant part of the system, with the Ministry of Tourism working alongside the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to oversee facilities designated for pilgrims.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the ministry had taken responsibility for monitoring pilgrims’ accommodation and improving the standards of available facilities.
As part of these efforts, approximately 400 buildings were taken out of service for failing to meet safety and quality requirements.
Al-Khateeb also announced that licensing procedures for buildings designated to accommodate pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj season had been completed, reflecting an emphasis on early planning and regulatory readiness.
How Can Global Expertise Improve Hajj?
With participation from more than 150 countries, the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition provides an international platform for exchanging expertise and exploring solutions to the evolving needs of pilgrimage services.
More than 520 government, private-sector, and nonprofit entities are taking part in the event, which covers over 67,000 square meters and features more than 15 main zones and programs.
More tellingly, the conference’s scientific program is organized around infrastructure and operational services, empowerment and integration, and development and sustainability.
Together, these themes underscore the importance of blending operational improvements with stronger institutional cooperation and sustainable approaches to service development.
Alongside the Hajj Council and accompanying exhibition, the event features programs supporting innovation and startups.
It also introduces the Awareness and Training Forum under the theme “From Awareness to Empowerment,” focusing on the development of awareness tools, training programs, and staff preparedness.
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From Makkah to the World: Jeddah Launches Sixth Hajj Conference to Sharpen 2027 Readiness
Saudi Arabia Translates Hajj Experience into Global Opportunities
