Saudi Arabia has achieved a historic milestone in religious tourism, with over 11.7 million Muslims performing Umrah during the single Hijri month of Rabi Al Thani, marking the highest monthly total ever recorded for the sacred pilgrimage.
According to official data released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, this surge highlights the growing efficiency and global appeal of the Kingdom’s pilgrimage infrastructure. The unprecedented numbers demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s success in facilitating spiritual journeys for Muslims worldwide.
Out of the total, more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom, reflecting the success of Saudi Arabia’s streamlined visa processes and its ongoing investment in digital transformation. The remaining pilgrims were Saudi residents and citizens who performed the sacred ritual at Islam’s holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah.
As Saudi Arabia moves closer to its goal of hosting 30 million annual Umrah visitors by 2030, the current record of 11.9 million serves as a definitive signal that the Kingdom is no longer just hosting a pilgrimage, but is leading a global masterclass in large-scale event management and technological precision.
The Ministry attributed the remarkable increase to several key factors: enhanced digital systems through platforms like Nusuk Umrah that allow direct bookings, cutting out middlemen and improving transparency; expanded visa categories opening doors to more travelers worldwide; and upgraded infrastructure, including better crowd management tools, real-time monitoring of pilgrim movement, and AI-driven planning systems.
This milestone aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to expand the capacity and accessibility of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah while offering a more spiritually fulfilling and technologically enhanced experience. Officials emphasize that this growth focuses not just on numbers but on improving service quality, safety, and comfort for all visitors.
The record-breaking figures reflect satisfaction rates exceeding 94% among Umrah performers, demonstrating the quality of planning and coordinated efforts of more than 60 entities working in harmony to deliver integrated services throughout the pilgrimage journey.
