RIYADH / ISLAMABAD In a major step aimed at making spiritual journeys more affordable, a Saudi-based travel group has launched a $50 million fund to reduce Hajj and Umrah costs for Pakistanis.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve accessibility for low- and middle-income pilgrims from Pakistan, one of the largest contributors of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques each year.
According to company officials, the fund will support discounted travel packages, subsidized accommodation, and reduced service fees for selected pilgrims in coordination with local partners in Pakistan. Priority will be given to first-time travelers, senior citizens, and low-income families.
A senior representative of the group said:
“The rising cost of Hajj and Umrah has made it harder for many Pakistanis to fulfill this spiritual obligation. Through this fund, we aim to remove those financial barriers.”
The initiative will also focus on improving the logistics, accommodation, and on-ground guidance to ensure a smoother experience for pilgrims especially in high-demand seasons.
The move comes amid increasing efforts by both Saudi and Pakistani authorities to streamline visa processing, digitize pilgrim management, and improve bilateral cooperation in the religious tourism sector.
Pilgrimage operators in Pakistan have welcomed the announcement, calling it a much-needed relief for communities where spiritual desire is strong but financial means are limited.
