The Governor of Medina, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, inaugurated the third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum, which reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best services for pilgrims and Umrah performers. This took place during a ceremony held at the King Salman International Conference Center, attended by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the forum will continue from March 30 to April 1, 2026.
Prince Salman bin Sultan affirmed that serving pilgrims and Umrah performers is not just a transient responsibility, but a steadfast approach since the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud - may God have mercy on him. He explained that the forum comes within the framework of the wise leadership's keenness to enhance the services for the guests of the Most Merciful, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to its religious and humanitarian message.
Event Details
The Prince noted that the experience of the Umrah performer and visitor goes beyond the performance of rituals to become a journey rich in meanings, linked to the roots of the Islamic religion. He emphasized the importance of developing services and improving their quality through qualitative projects and effective partnerships, including the use of artificial intelligence technologies to provide a facilitated and safe experience.
He also pointed out that the forum serves as a global platform that brings together experts and investors to exchange experiences and envision the future of the Umrah and visit sector, contributing to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Background & Context
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered a major destination for Muslims from all over the world, receiving millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Umrah performers, exceeding 18 million from abroad, reflecting the significant efforts made by the Kingdom in this area.
The Kingdom seeks to enhance the visitor experience by developing infrastructure and the services provided, thereby strengthening its position as a religious and tourist destination. The forum comes as part of these efforts, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities available in this sector.
Impact & Consequences
These events contribute to enhancing cooperation between government entities and the private sector, positively reflecting on the quality of services provided to visitors. Additionally, the use of modern technologies to improve the experience of Umrah performers demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to providing high-quality services.
These initiatives are part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to develop the tourism sector and enhance the Kingdom's position as a global center for Umrah and visits. These efforts are expected to attract more visitors and improve their satisfaction levels.
Regional Significance
The forum represents an opportunity to enhance cooperation among Arab countries in the field of religious tourism, where experiences and best practices can be exchanged. Improving the experience of Umrah performers and visitors contributes to strengthening cultural and religious relations between countries.
These efforts serve as a model to be emulated in the region, where other countries can benefit from the Saudi experience in developing their tourism and religious services.
In conclusion, the Umrah and Visit Forum reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best services for pilgrims and Umrah performers, enhancing its status as a primary destination for Muslims from all over the world.