* Over 6.5 million pilgrims performed Umrah in Q1 2025
* Targets 2.5m airline seats for Umrah pilgrims by year-end
* Makkah ranks 5th globally among World’s most visited cities
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced that the number of pilgrims who performed Umrah during the first quarter of this year reached more than 6.5 million, and this figure marks an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Addressing the inaugural session of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah on Monday, Al-Rabiah revealed that the number of renovated historical sites in Makkah and Madinah has increased to 55, enriching the experience of pilgrims and visitors.
Emir of Madinah Prince Salman bin Sultan inaugurated the forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program in partnership with the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, at the King Salman International Conference Center.
Dato’ Seri Syed Saleh, Chairman of Tabung Haji Malaysia for Travel and Services, commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving the Guests of Allah, highlighting the #Umrah_And_Ziyarah_Forum as a valuable platform and opportunity for knowledge sharing and enhancing the overall Umrah… pic.twitter.com/cHTy0fhVcT
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 15, 2025
Muslim News Nigeria, one of the official media partners, gathered that the three-day forum, which began on April 14, is themed “Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors.” It’s going to round off today, Wednesday, April 16.
Al-Rabiah noted that the number of Haramain High Speed Train users has increased from 3.3 million passengers in 2022 to 8.8 million passengers in 2024, reflecting the continuous improvements in the level of transportation services provided to pilgrims and visitors.
The minister pointed out that the daily capacity of the Rawdah Al-Sharif has been increased to more than 52,000 visitors.
H.E. the Minister of #Hajj_And_Umrah @tfrabiah highlights during the #Umrah_And_Ziyarah_Forum key figures underscoring growth in pilgrim numbers, advancements in digital services, and expanded international collaboration.
#Ease_And_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/y1oXwn4EH3— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 15, 2025
Al-Rabiah said that Makkah ranked 5th globally in terms of the number of visitors.
He explained that this edition of the conference is witnessing huge participation of 330 Saudi Umrah companies, in addition to 8,000 Umrah agents from various countries around the world.
Regarding the digital transformation of the Umrah journey, Al-Rabiah highlighted the remarkable improvement made in the Nusuk app, providing more than 100 services to more than 18 million users.
Also speaking at the well-attended event, Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program CEO, Majid Khan, announced that more than 700,000 seats have been earmarked to support Umrah and visitor traffic through the first quarter of 2025.
Address by H.E. the Minister of #Hajj_And_Umrah @tfrabiah during the opening ceremony of the #Umrah_And_Ziyarah_Forum, with broad participation from local and international sectors dedicated to serving the Guests of Allah. #Ease_And_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/eXbizgvyVb
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 15, 2025
Khan added that the goal is to reach 2.5 million seats by the end of 2025, focusing on improved global air connectivity to the city.
The Saudi official said the program targets key markets including Europe, the Gulf, Commonwealth of Independent States, and Indonesia, in line with the National Tourism Strategy.
A new air route from Stuttgart to Jeddah will launch this year — the third direct Umrah route from Germany, he added.
Khan said that new airlines such as Eurowings have also been introduced, alongside recent routes from Berlin and Cologne to Jeddah.
تبقّت 3 ساعات فقط على إسدال الستار عن فعاليات #منتدى_العمرة_والزيارة2025!
الأجواء ما زالت تنبض بالحيوية، والفرص التي لا تزال متاحة لاكتشاف الابتكارات الرائدة وخوض تجارب اللقاءات الملهمة.
Just 3 hours left at #UZF2025!
The energy is still high and there’s so much to explore —… pic.twitter.com/81KxYzaJtz
— منتدى العمرة والزيارة (@UmrahForum) April 16, 2025
French airline Transavia will soon launch flights from Paris and Lyon to Jeddah. And starting from August, a daily flight from London’s Gatwick to Madinah will add around 180,000 seats, said Khan.
Earlier this year, the program attracted 12 airlines and added 20 new routes to Saudi Arabia, totaling 1.5 million seats. Recent additions include ITA Airways, British Airways, Eurowings, Transavia, and Wizz Air.
Tagged #UZF2025, the forum hosted more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries. It featured more than 50 workshops and sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside multiple agreements to enhance the Umrah and visitor experience.
Thank you to our media partners for your unwavering support at the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025. We appreciate your partnership!
شكرًا لشركائنا الإعلاميين على دعمهم المتواصل في #منتدى_العمرة_والزيارة 2025.
نُقدّر شراكتكم القيّمة!@sahuchajj @tasaheeloman @cbhuk @UmrahConnect… pic.twitter.com/59G6gq5jZI— منتدى العمرة والزيارة (@UmrahForum) April 16, 2025
Workshops focused on accommodation, technology, and artificial intelligence applications, as well as the role of social media, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Hajj and Umrah services.
Topics included hospitality, marketing, and Madinah’s rich Islamic and historical heritage, the SPA reported.
An interactive exhibition highlighted key government initiatives to modernize infrastructure, transport and hospitality in Makkah and Madinah, aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience.
With additional information from Saudi Gazette and Arab News
Sponsored
