Saudi Showcases Major Gains in Pilgrim Services at Umrah, Ziyarah Forum 2026
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has highlighted progress in enhancing services for pilgrims, as officials unveiled key performance indicators during the opening of the 2026 Umrah and Ziyarah Forum.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to improving the experience of pilgrims under the Pilgrims Experience Program, a core initiative aligned with the national transformation agenda.
According to figures presented, more than 18 million Umrah pilgrims from abroad were received between 2022 and 2025, reflecting a steady expansion in international religious tourism.
The data further revealed a 94 per cent satisfaction rate among pilgrims in 2025, indicating strong service delivery across key touchpoints.
In addition, over 15.6 million visitors accessed Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah following capacity enhancements, while 87 historical and cultural sites across the Kingdom have been developed and upgraded to enrich the pilgrimage experience.
Digital transformation also featured prominently, with the “Nusuk” application recording more than 51 million users, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push toward seamless, technology-driven pilgrimage management.
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2026 itself demonstrated strong industry participation, bringing together over 50 partners and sponsors, alongside more than 150 exhibiting entities.
The forum also facilitated the signing of over 5,000 agreements and memoranda of understanding, aimed at expanding collaboration and driving innovation within the sector.
Furthermore, more than 50 specialized workshops and sessions were held, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and explore strategies to enhance service delivery for pilgrims.
The developments reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for religious tourism, while continuously improving the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of services offered to millions of pilgrims annually.
