Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Medina, inaugurated the third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum, affirming that serving pilgrims and visitors is not merely a transient responsibility but a fundamental approach established since the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz – may he rest in peace – and has continued under its wise leadership to this prosperous era. He explained that the state continues to harness all its capabilities to serve the Two Holy Mosques and care for those who visit them.
During the ceremony, Prince Salman emphasized that the experience of the Umrah performer and visitor represents a comprehensive journey, rich in spiritual meanings, and connected to the roots of this great religion and the depth of Islamic civilization that originated from this blessed land. He also pointed out that the rapid development in the system of Umrah and visit services reflects the Kingdom's commitment to its religious and humanitarian message.
Event Details
The ceremony included an accompanying exhibition, visual presentations, and introductory speeches about the forum, in addition to the launch of the scientific project by the King Abdulaziz Foundation, titled "The Historical Atlas of the Prophetic Biography," which aims to document the Prophetic biography using the latest technologies. A visual presentation about the atlas was also shown, alongside the announcement of a project to name neighborhoods, streets, paths, and avenues in the "Vision of Medina" project, the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding, and the presentation of awards and honoring supporting and contributing entities.
In his speech, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah explained that the support from the leadership has enabled the sector to achieve qualitative leaps, as the number of Umrah performers coming from abroad exceeded 18 million, with a growth rate of 214% between 2022 and 2025. The satisfaction rate of Umrah performers rose to 94% during 2025, and the number of visitors to the Noble Rawdah doubled to reach 15.6 million visitors last year.
Background & Context
Serving pilgrims and Umrah performers is an integral part of the identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as Umrah and Hajj represent significant religious occasions that attract millions of Muslims from around the world. Since its establishment, the Kingdom has prioritized this service, contributing to enhancing its status as a global religious destination.
Historically, the Kingdom has witnessed significant developments in Umrah services, with modern technologies introduced to improve the visitor experience, such as the "Nusk" application, which has surpassed 51 million users worldwide. Additionally, 87 historical and enriching sites have been developed to enhance the cultural experience of Umrah performers.
Impact & Consequences
The effects of developing Umrah services extend beyond merely improving the visitor experience, as these efforts contribute to boosting the local economy by increasing the number of tourists and providing new job opportunities. These developments also reflect the Kingdom's commitment to achieving Vision 2030, which aims to enhance religious tourism and expand the base of Umrah performers.
Moreover, improving Umrah services enhances the Kingdom's image in the Islamic world and reflects its commitment to its role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This commitment strengthens the relationships between the Kingdom and Islamic countries, contributing to enhancing cultural and religious cooperation.
Regional Significance
The Kingdom's success in developing Umrah services serves as a model for other countries in the Arab region, where other nations can benefit from the experiences and knowledge gained in this field. Additionally, enhancing the experience of Umrah performers can contribute to boosting religious tourism in other Arab countries, thereby enhancing cooperation among nations in this area.
In conclusion, the Umrah and Visit Forum represents an important platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best services for pilgrims and Umrah performers, thereby enhancing its status as a global religious destination.