Record Number of Foreign Pilgrims Perform Umrah in 2024
Makkah ranks fifth globally for international visits, while Madinah reaches seventh position in Tourism Performance Index.
A total of 18.5 million pilgrims from around the world performed Hajj and Umrah during 2024, with an overwhelming majority of 16.92 million participating in Umrah, according to a recent report by the Doyof Al-Rahman Program.
This figure represents a significant growth rate of 101 percent compared to the previous year, indicating seamless integration of efforts and procedures.
The program highlighted the successful implementation of numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims.
Makkah achieved fifth place globally in terms of international visitor numbers, while Madinah rose to seventh position in the Tourism Performance Index, underscoring Saudi Arabia's prominent status as a religious and tourist destination.
These rankings reflect the country's efforts to streamline services and improve infrastructure for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Doyof Al-Rahman Program, initiated by Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, focuses on improving the experience of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
The program encompasses 89 initiatives carried out in collaboration with over 40 government agencies, achieving a compliance rate of 95 percent.
These efforts cover all aspects of the pilgrim journey, from transportation to cultural experiences.
In terms of visitor satisfaction, Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah saw an increase in visitors from 4 million in 2022 to over 13 million in 2024.
The visitor satisfaction rate improved significantly, rising from 57 percent to 81 percent, demonstrating enhancements in user experience and service quality.
The number of volunteers serving pilgrims increased notably, reaching more than 153,000 in 2024 compared to only 15,000 in the previous year.
This growth indicates a rise in community awareness and participation in supporting pilgrims.
Internationally, visits led by the program facilitated practical solutions to overcome obstacles faced by pilgrims and visitors.
These efforts strengthened international cooperation, removed numerous challenges, and opened up new destinations, thereby increasing transportation capacity for pilgrims.
The program also developed digital platforms such as Nusuk, which offers over 100 services to users, and the Makkah Route initiative, benefiting more than 940,000 individuals since its launch.
Additionally, Enaya centers provided services to approximately 3 million beneficiaries.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah emphasized the importance of the Nusuk app, which has become essential for Muslims worldwide.
He highlighted the significance of the Nusuk card in the 1445 Hajj season and expressed joy over the restoration of 15 historical sites linked to the Prophet's biography in Makkah and Madinah.
Al-Rabiah commended the efforts of approximately 153,000 volunteers for their dedication and service during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
These achievements are attributed to the combined efforts of more than 40 partner entities, demonstrating a shared sense of religious and national responsibility.
This figure represents a significant growth rate of 101 percent compared to the previous year, indicating seamless integration of efforts and procedures.
The program highlighted the successful implementation of numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims.
Makkah achieved fifth place globally in terms of international visitor numbers, while Madinah rose to seventh position in the Tourism Performance Index, underscoring Saudi Arabia's prominent status as a religious and tourist destination.
These rankings reflect the country's efforts to streamline services and improve infrastructure for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Doyof Al-Rahman Program, initiated by Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, focuses on improving the experience of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
The program encompasses 89 initiatives carried out in collaboration with over 40 government agencies, achieving a compliance rate of 95 percent.
These efforts cover all aspects of the pilgrim journey, from transportation to cultural experiences.
In terms of visitor satisfaction, Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah saw an increase in visitors from 4 million in 2022 to over 13 million in 2024.
The visitor satisfaction rate improved significantly, rising from 57 percent to 81 percent, demonstrating enhancements in user experience and service quality.
The number of volunteers serving pilgrims increased notably, reaching more than 153,000 in 2024 compared to only 15,000 in the previous year.
This growth indicates a rise in community awareness and participation in supporting pilgrims.
Internationally, visits led by the program facilitated practical solutions to overcome obstacles faced by pilgrims and visitors.
These efforts strengthened international cooperation, removed numerous challenges, and opened up new destinations, thereby increasing transportation capacity for pilgrims.
The program also developed digital platforms such as Nusuk, which offers over 100 services to users, and the Makkah Route initiative, benefiting more than 940,000 individuals since its launch.
Additionally, Enaya centers provided services to approximately 3 million beneficiaries.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah emphasized the importance of the Nusuk app, which has become essential for Muslims worldwide.
He highlighted the significance of the Nusuk card in the 1445 Hajj season and expressed joy over the restoration of 15 historical sites linked to the Prophet's biography in Makkah and Madinah.
Al-Rabiah commended the efforts of approximately 153,000 volunteers for their dedication and service during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
These achievements are attributed to the combined efforts of more than 40 partner entities, demonstrating a shared sense of religious and national responsibility.
