The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the establishment of a special operations room designed to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims and Umrah performers from outside the country, in cooperation with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and relevant authorities. This step is part of the ministry's efforts to ensure the comfort and safety of the guests of Allah and enable them to perform their rituals safely.
During his speech at the "Umrah and Visit Forum" held in Medina under the slogan "A History Told at Every Station," Minister of Hajj Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah emphasized the high readiness of the ministry and related entities to handle all emergency changes, especially in light of the current events in the region.
Event Details
The minister pointed out that the number of Umrah performers arriving from outside the Kingdom this year has reached 18 million, achieving a growth rate exceeding 214% compared to the years 2022 and 2023. Al-Rabiah confirmed the significant support provided by the Saudi leadership to the Umrah and visit sector, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to caring for the guests of Allah and providing them with the best services.
He also noted that the satisfaction rate among Umrah performers has increased to 94% during the year 2023, while the capacity for visiting the Noble Rawdah has doubled, with the number of visitors exceeding 15.6 million last year. Several historical and enriching sites have been developed, bringing the total to 87 sites and destinations.
Background & Context
The "Umrah and Visit Forum" in its third edition serves as an important platform that brings together partners in this sector to exchange experiences and explore available opportunities. The forum features a concurrent exhibition with participation from over 150 exhibitors and is supported by more than 50 partners and sponsors. Additionally, more than 50 workshops and specialized sessions are organized, reflecting the significance of this event in enhancing innovation and developing the Umrah and visit services system.
Moreover, over 5,000 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed during the forum, contributing to opening new horizons for developing services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers.
Impact & Consequences
These initiatives are a strategic step in enhancing the Kingdom's position as a primary destination for Umrah and visits, contributing to the promotion of religious tourism and reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best services to the guests of Allah. These efforts are expected to lead to an increase in the number of visitors and improve the experience of Umrah performers, thereby boosting the local economy and creating new job opportunities.
The rising satisfaction rate among Umrah performers reflects the success of the efforts made by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, contributing to enhancing the Kingdom's reputation in the field of religious tourism globally.
Regional Significance
These steps serve as a model for other countries in the region seeking to develop their religious tourism sector. The Kingdom's success in attracting such a large number of Umrah performers reflects the ability of Arab countries to enhance cooperation in this field, contributing to strengthening cultural and religious ties among peoples.
In conclusion, these initiatives reflect the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best services to the guests of Allah, enhancing its position as a primary destination for Umrah and visits, and emphasizing the importance of religious tourism in bolstering the national economy.