Since the start of the 2025 Umrah season on June 11, Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 1.2 million pilgrims from 109 countries, marking a significant surge compared to last year. Backed by improved digital platforms, strict accommodation rules, and enhanced safety measures, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is delivering a more seamless, secure, and spiritually focused pilgrimage experience than ever before.
Surge in Pilgrim Arrivals Signals Growing Global Interest
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported on Thursday that this year’s Umrah season, which began officially on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), has already attracted a substantial influx of pilgrims. Over 1.2 million visitors have arrived since the season’s start on Wednesday, June 11 (15 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), representing a 30% increase in arrivals on Umrah visas compared to the same period in 2024. This growth spans pilgrims from 109 countries worldwide, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s successful efforts to expand and enhance its religious tourism sector. Visa issuance also rose by 27%, reflecting the heightened demand and efficiency in processing applications. To support this surge, more than 4,200 contracts have been finalized between Saudi Umrah companies and international travel agents, ensuring well-coordinated services including accommodation, transportation, and on-the-ground guidance. These agreements were required to be completed by May 27, 2025 (29 Dhu al-Qadah 1446 AH), ahead of the official visa release date on June 10.
Streamlined Visa Issuance and Administrative Preparations
The Umrah visa issuance cycle for 2025 officially opened on June 10, aligning with the start of the new Umrah season that will extend into 2026 (1447 AH). This date marked a key milestone in the Kingdom’s preparations to handle the growing number of pilgrims efficiently. The Ministry utilized the Nusuk platform—a unified digital gateway for pilgrims’ services—to facilitate visa issuance and appointment bookings beginning June 11. The platform offers multi-language support, allowing pilgrims to access a wide range of services including permit applications, appointment scheduling, and educational materials. Service providers and travel companies were instructed to meet the May 27 deadline for finalizing their contracts, helping to guarantee a smooth arrival and stay experience. This requirement supports the Kingdom’s broader vision of integrating operations, infrastructure, and technology to improve the overall pilgrim journey.
Over 89 New Initiatives Enhance Safety, Comfort, and Spiritual Experience
For the 2025 Umrah season, Saudi authorities have rolled out an impressive suite of over 89 new initiatives aimed at improving the safety, convenience, and spiritual focus of pilgrims. Key highlights include:
- “Rushd” App: Launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, this app offers pilgrims Quran access, prayer times,
Qibla direction, VR-guided Umrah tutorials, and an Islamic e-library in multiple languages, enhancing spiritual engagement through technology. - Smart Safety Bracelets: Designed for children, elderly, and visually impaired pilgrims, these bracelets store emergency contact information and allow rapid response in case of distress or emergencies.
- Madinah Infrastructure Upgrades: Sixteen projects including AI-driven crowd management systems, improved road access near religious sites, upgraded staff training, and faster emergency response protocols have been implemented.
- Prophet’s Mosque Service Centers: Two multilingual centers provided assistance to over 188,000 visitors with mobility aids, wristbands, and navigational support.
- Hotel Compliance and Safety: The Ministry of Tourism closed 25 hotels in
Makkah for violations such as poor maintenance and fire risks, while encouraging pilgrims to report concerns via the 930 hotline.
These improvements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a safe, comfortable, and enriching Umrah experience, with a strong focus on integrating advanced technology and human-centered service.
Nusuk Masar Platform: New Regulations on Accommodation Booking
Starting June 10, 2025, the Kingdom has mandated that no Umrah visa will be issued without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel bookings through the “Nusuk Masar” platform. This policy aims to:
- Protect pilgrims’ rights
- Eliminate unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices
- Prevent hotel overbooking
- Maintain high accommodation standards
- Streamline the overall pilgrimage journey
The Nusuk Masar platform serves as the official digital hub for managing pilgrimage-related services, allowing pilgrims and service providers to book and confirm stays in Ministry-approved hotels, upload housing contracts, and manage permits. It also offers educational content in multiple languages to support pilgrims’ preparations. The Ministry has issued strict advisories to all licensed Umrah companies, authorized establishments, and international agents, warning that failure to comply with the new housing documentation rules could result in visa rejection, processing delays, or penalties.
