Saudi Arabia welcomed a record 18.5 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in 2024, marking a 101% increase in Umrah visitors compared to 2022, according to the Doyof Al Rahman Programme’s annual report. This historic growth reflects the success of Vision 2030 initiatives aimed at transforming religious tourism in the Kingdom.
Massive Growth in Umrah Pilgrimage
Out of the total, 16.92 million pilgrims came for Umrah, exceeding official targets and demonstrating the Kingdom's capabilities in handling rising numbers. Authorities credited integrated services and simplified procedures for enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
Global Tourism Recognition for Mecca and Medina
The report highlighted Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global religious tourism leader. Mecca ranked fifth worldwide for international visitors, while Medina rose to seventh place on the global Tourism Performance Index.
Vision 2030 Initiatives Driving Transformation
Launched under Vision 2030, the Doyof Al Rahman Programme aims to elevate every aspect of the pilgrim journey. In 2024 alone, 89 initiatives were rolled out through partnerships with over 40 government agencies, achieving 95% compliance across the board.
Sharp Rise in Visits to Al Rawdah Al Sharif
The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina saw more than 13 million visitors to Al Rawdah Al Sharif in 2024, compared to 4 million in 2022. Visitor satisfaction jumped from 57% to 81%, signaling a dramatic improvement in service quality and accessibility.
Volunteerism and Community Engagement Soar
Volunteer participation increased tenfold, with over 153,000 volunteers supporting pilgrims in 2024, compared to just 15,000 in 2022. Officials described this as a "qualitative leap" in community engagement.
International Cooperation and Tech Innovation
Saudi Arabia held 33 international meetings with airlines and service providers to streamline pilgrim logistics and boost travel capacity. Digitization was central, with the Nusuk platform offering 100+ services, while the Mecca Route initiative benefited 940,000 travelers.
Healthcare and Cultural Milestones
The Enaya care centers served nearly 3 million people. Fifteen historic sites related to Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) life were reopened in Mecca and Medina, representing a major cultural achievement.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Praises Progress
Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, described these milestones as “not coincidental,” attributing success to strategic planning and unwavering dedication. He also hailed the Nusuk app as a “milestone of the 1445 Hajj season.”
Conclusion: Vision 2030 in Action
Saudi Arabia’s historic Umrah numbers in 2024 highlight the Kingdom’s dedication to transforming the pilgrimage journey into a seamless, spiritually enriching experience a true reflection of Vision 2030 in action.
