Prince Salman bin Sultan of Medina emphasized that serving pilgrims and visitors is considered a deep-rooted commitment in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that this commitment has been part of the responsibilities of Saudi leadership since the establishment of the Kingdom. These statements were made during the opening of the third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum at the King Salman International Exhibition Center, which will last for three days and is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Prince Salman clarified that serving pilgrims and visitors is not merely a transient responsibility, but rather a fundamental approach upon which the Kingdom was established since its unification by King Abdulaziz. He affirmed that the Saudi leadership continues to invest all its capabilities in serving the Two Holy Mosques and providing the best services to its visitors.
Event Details
During the forum, the importance of the experience of pilgrims and visitors was highlighted, representing a complete journey rich in spiritual meanings, deeply connected to the roots of this great religion and the depth of the Islamic civilization that emerged from this blessed land. Prince Salman 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 mission.
The prince noted that the Umrah and Visit Forum is gaining increasing importance as a global platform that brings together experts and investors to explore opportunities and exchange experiences, contributing to shaping the future of the Umrah and visit sector in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Background & Context
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established in 1932, and since then, serving pilgrims and visitors has been an essential part of the Kingdom's identity. Mecca and Medina are considered the holiest places in Islam, attracting millions of Muslims from around the world to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of pilgrims and visitors, necessitating the improvement and development of the services provided to them.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is working on developing the infrastructure and logistical services to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for pilgrims, having introduced new technologies and modern systems to facilitate procedures and enhance the level of service.
Impact & Consequences
The significance of this forum goes beyond being an annual event; it represents a genuine opportunity to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors in the Kingdom. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, stakeholders can improve the services provided to pilgrims, contributing to increasing their satisfaction levels.
Moreover, the increase in the number of Umrah performers, expected to exceed 18 million between 2022 and 2025, reflects the success of efforts made in this sector. Reports have shown that satisfaction levels regarding the services provided reached 94% in 2025, indicating the effectiveness of the strategies employed.
Regional Significance
Saudi Arabia is a significant center in the Islamic world, and serving pilgrims and visitors enhances its status as a religious destination. Improving the services provided to pilgrims positively impacts religious tourism in the region, contributing to boosting the local economy and creating new job opportunities.
In conclusion, the forum demonstrates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving pilgrims and visitors, reflecting ongoing efforts to develop this vital sector. Strengthening cooperation among various stakeholders will contribute to achieving the desired goals and enhancing the experience of pilgrims and visitors.