Over 1.2 Million Umrah Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia Since Start of Season
Makkah – The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that over 1.2 million Umrah pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the current Umrah season on Dhul Hijjah 15, which represents a tremendous boom in religious tourism activity.
In a release on Thursday, the ministry cited a 30% year-on-year increase in pilgrims coming into the country on Umrah visas. Further, the total number of Umrah visas increased by 27%, with pilgrims hailing from 109 countries across the world, which serves to prove Saudi Arabia’s increasing position as a global center for Islamic pilgrimage.
This volume of arrivals follows a highly successful Hajj season and reflects increased coordination, infrastructure, and digitalization. More than 4,200 deals have been inked as well among local Umrah firms and international agents, bolstering operational preparedness and supporting services for pilgrims.
Visa issuance for this season’s year began on Dhul Hijjah 14, and visas were issued through Nusuk—the Kingdom’s single unified digital portal for Hajj and Umrah services. Pilgrims are able to book appointments and benefit from a wide range of multilingual services with ease through Nusuk, making the journey and worship experience easier.
The ministry credited the high turnout to timely preparation, enhanced hospitality standards, enhanced digital content, and smooth coordination of government agencies. These measures, it clarified, are designed to present all visitors with a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience.
verified from sources : saudigazette,spa
