Umrah Demand on the Rise as Record 16.9 Million Perform Umrah in last year

Saudi Arabia experienced a historic milestone in 2024, welcoming over 18.5 million pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah combined. An overwhelming 16.92 million pilgrims performed Umrah, marking a 101% increase from 2022, according to the latest annual report by the Doyof Al-Rahman Program. This significant leap not only surpassed Saudi Arabia’s yearly target but also positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in religious tourism, aligned with its Vision 2030 initiative.

Saudi Umrah Services Experience Unprecedented Demand

The surge in pilgrims underscores the Kingdom’s dedicated efforts to streamline services, improve accessibility, and enhance the spiritual experience for visitors from across the globe. As Umrah tour packages become more accessible, particularly for countries like Pakistan, there has been a sharp rise in demand.

According to local Pakistani travel agencies, Umrah packages from Pakistan are increasingly booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Enhanced visa facilitation, upgraded airport experiences, and efficient on-ground transport services have made it easier than ever for Pakistanis to fulfill their religious obligations.

Vision 2030 and the Doyof Al-Rahman Program: Transforming Pilgrimage

At the heart of this transformation is the Doyof Al-Rahman Program, a flagship project under Vision 2030, which aims to welcome over 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by the end of the decade. In 2024, the program implemented 89 wide-ranging initiatives, executed in collaboration with over 40 government agencies. These initiatives cover every aspect of the pilgrim journey—from visa issuance to cultural enrichment and digital services.

The program achieved a 95% compliance rate, showing clear operational excellence. It supports infrastructure upgrades, volunteer mobilization, digitization of services, and partnerships with international carriers and agencies. This has enabled smoother arrivals and more organized pilgrim movement across Saudi Arabia.

Makkah & Madinah Rise in Global Religious Tourism Rankings

The program’s success is also reflected in global rankings. Makkah secured the 5th position worldwide in terms of international visitors, while Madinah climbed to 7th place on the Tourism Performance Index, affirming Saudi Arabia’s emerging status as a premier destination for spiritual tourism.

The iconic Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah drew over 13 million visitors in 2024, a huge leap from 4 million just two years earlier. This improvement highlights growing satisfaction among pilgrims, with visitor approval ratings rising from 57% to 81%. Improved services, increased staff, digital appointment scheduling, and a cleaner environment contributed to this surge.

A Digital Leap: Nusuk and Makkah Route Transform Pilgrim Experience

Saudi Arabia has embraced digital transformation to simplify the pilgrimage process. The Nusuk platform and mobile app now offer over 100 digital services. These include e-visa applications, booking of rituals such as visiting Al-Rawdah, and access to historical tours and events. The Nusuk card, introduced during the 1445 Hajj season, became a crucial tool in streamlining pilgrim logistics.

Umrah visa by Nusuk app has been another big step towards facilititation as this app provides great Umrah visa services for Pakistani as well as international Umrah pilgrims to conveniently get an Umrah visa online and pay online with ease.

Meanwhile, the Makkah Route Initiative benefited more than 940,000 pilgrims by offering pre-departure immigration clearance at international airports in countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This initiative significantly reduced wait times upon arrival in the Kingdom and enhanced the overall pilgrim experience.

The Nusuk app is an official digital platform launched by the Saudi government to streamline the Umrah visa and pilgrimage experience. It allows users to apply for an Umrah visa, book permits for visiting the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, and access key services related to Umrah packages. The app is user-friendly and available in multiple languages, making it easier for international pilgrims to manage their journey. Through Nusuk, travelers can book transportation, accommodation, and other Umrah-related services in one place, ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for those planning their sacred trip to Saudi Arabia.

Volunteers Set a New Benchmark in Pilgrim Services

One of the most heartening developments of 2024 was the unprecedented participation of over 153,000 volunteers, a massive increase from just 15,000 in 2022. These individuals, many of them young Saudis, served pilgrims at airports, mosques, transport hubs, and medical centers. Their contributions not only enhanced logistical efficiency but also embodied the Saudi spirit of “Khidmat-e-Hujjaj” (Service to Pilgrims).

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, praised their tireless efforts and moral character, stating that the volunteers' sincerity, discipline, and humility exemplified the Kingdom's dedication to serving the guests of Allah.

Strengthening International Cooperation for Easier Umrah Travel

Recognizing the global nature of Umrah travel, Saudi authorities organized 33 international visits to countries with large Muslim populations. These visits were crucial in overcoming regulatory hurdles, expanding airline partnerships, and facilitating smoother travel for pilgrims. As a result, dozens of new international destinations were added to Umrah flight networks, increasing seat availability and reducing airfare in many markets.

This global outreach helped promote new and affordable Umrah packages in regions like South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with a special focus on pilgrims from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.

Cultural Enrichment and Historical Preservation

In addition to religious activities, 2024 saw a renewed focus on cultural enrichment. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah facilitated visits to 15 newly rehabilitated historical sites tied to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These include locations in both Makkah and Madinah that have been carefully preserved and made accessible to pilgrims through guided tours offered via the Nusuk app.

This move not only enriches the spiritual journey but also contributes to Saudi Arabia's broader tourism economy, helping meet Vision 2030’s dual goals of religious and cultural tourism integration.

Umrah Packages from Pakistan: A Gateway to Affordable Spiritual Travel

Given the surge in Saudi Umrah pilgrim numbers, Umrah tour packages from Pakistan have become more competitive and diverse. Travel agencies are now offering tailored packages for families, groups, and individuals. These include:

7-day, 10-day, and 14-day Umrah packages

Economy to luxury hotel options in Makkah and Madinah

Inclusive visa, transportation, and guided ziyarah tours

Online booking and WhatsApp support

With the support of Saudi digital platforms like Nusuk, Pakistani pilgrims are now able to apply online, select services in Urdu, and even track real-time updates of their travel itinerary. Combined with cost-effective airfare deals, this has made Umrah packages from Pakistan more accessible than ever before.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025 and Beyond

Minister Al-Rabiah emphasized that while 2024 was a landmark year, it is just a stepping stone toward the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. The aim is to continue expanding infrastructure, improving service quality, and simplifying visa processes so that millions more can experience the peace and blessings of Umrah.

As more people around the world seek affordable and well-organized Umrah tour packages, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to serve them with a combination of modern technology, world-class hospitality, and deep spiritual heritage.