* Says kingdom invests in advanced technologies to enhance pilgrim experience
* Umrah sector achieves 214 percent growth between 2022 and 2025: Minister
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Prince of the Madinah Province, has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s enduring commitment to serving pilgrims, describing it as a foundational principle of the Kingdom rather than a temporary responsibility.
Speaking at the opening of the third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah, the Prince said the honour of serving visitors to Islam’s holiest sites dates back to the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.
He noted that this legacy continues under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Muslim News gathered that the three day forum, which began on Monday, March 30 at the King Salman International Convention Center, is organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program. 
Expected to conclude on Wednesday, April 1, the forum has brought together more than 150 exhibitors, including government agencies, private sector service providers, and nonprofit organizations from across the world.
Held under the theme “A History Told at Every Stop,” UZF highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to enrich the journey of Umrah pilgrims and visitors, transforming it into a comprehensive spiritual and cultural experience rooted in Islamic heritage.
Prince Salman said the pilgrim journey now extends beyond performing rituals to include deeper engagement with the history and civilization of Islam.
He added that Saudi Arabia is investing in improving services through integrated efforts, innovative partnerships, and advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to ensure a smooth, safe, and enriching experience for visitors.
Prince of the Madinah Province described the forum as an increasingly important global platform for experts, investors, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and shape the future of the Umrah and Ziyarah sector. 
These efforts, he said, align with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and enhance service quality.
Umrah sector achieves 214 percent growth between 2022 and 2025, says Saudi minister
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah highlighted significant growth in the sector.
He said the number of international Umrah pilgrims surpassed 18 million, marking a 214 percent increase between 2022 and 2025. Pilgrim satisfaction rates also reached 94 percent in 2025.
At the Prophet’s Mosque, he noted that visitor capacity at the Rawdah Sharif has doubled, accommodating more than 15.6 million visitors last year. Meanwhile, the number of developed historical and cultural sites available to pilgrims has grown to 87.
The minister also pointed to major strides in digital transformation. He said the Nusuk application has recorded more than 51 million users globally, helping pilgrims plan their journeys more efficiently. Partnerships with international travel platforms have further expanded options for visitors.
Preservation of Islamic heritage, other highlights
During the event, Turki bin Mohammed Al Shuwaier, Chief Executive Officer of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, emphasized the importance of preserving Islamic heritage through initiatives such as the Historical Atlas of the Prophet’s Biography.
In a separate address, Bandar bin Abdullah Al Rajhi, representing the forum’s official sponsor, praised the Kingdom’s sustained commitment to serving pilgrims, describing it as a continuation of a long standing national approach.
As part of the ceremony, Prince Salman inaugurated a project to name neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces within the Rua Al Madinah development, led by a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. The initiative aims to reflect the historical and cultural identity of the city in its urban planning.
The Prince also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and various partners across the Umrah and Ziyarah ecosystem.
Awards were presented to outstanding organizations, companies, and international agents in recognition of excellence in service delivery.
The event concluded with the honoring of key partners and contributors whose efforts helped ensure the success of the forum, reinforcing its growing role as a global hub for innovation and collaboration in the service of pilgrims.
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