Saudi Arabia has seen a 22.5% rise in Umrah visa arrivals at the start of the 1448H Umrah season, with 931,500 pilgrims entering the kingdom on Umrah visas between the 15th of Dhul Hijjah and the end of Muharram, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program. During the same timeframe, more than 1.27 million pilgrims arrived from abroad, reflecting ongoing growth in the kingdom’s Umrah sector.

The ministry attributed these increases to continued leadership support for serving pilgrims and enhanced collaboration among government agencies, alongside ongoing improvements in both digital and operational services. These efforts are part of the broader objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative and the Pilgrim Experience Program, which aim to elevate the quality and efficiency of services for Umrah performers and visitors.

The majority of overseas pilgrims—approximately 75%—entered through airports, with the remaining 25% arriving via land and sea ports. The ministry reported that Pakistan was the largest source country, contributing around 200,000 pilgrims, followed by Indonesia with 170,000 and Iraq with 130,000.

Saudi authorities emphasized their commitment to further enhance the pilgrimage experience by expanding digital service platforms, improving accessibility, and increasing operational efficiency. These efforts intend to facilitate a smoother journey for pilgrims, covering all stages from trip planning through departure.