Direct Umrah Program to Boost Pilgrim Experience

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is committed to enhancing pilgrims’ experience with the new Direct Umrah Program.

Under the program, companies can directly offer high-quality services to pilgrims without the need for any intermediaries. Through this initiative, pilgrims can better enjoy visiting historical sites relevant to Prophet Muhammad’s life, as well as other attractions.

Moreover, the Direct Umrah Program provides support to various Umrah service providers. For instance, it urges companies to make use of professional destination management and trip organization. This is important especially as Saudi Arabia received a total of 13.5 million pilgrims in 2023.

Direct Umrah Program: Improving pilgrim services

In line with enhancing the experience of pilgrims, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah worked with the Pilgrim Experience Program. Through their collaboration, they held the second gathering of Umrah organizations in Makkah on August 20, 2024. Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah spearheaded the meeting. The ministry held the event at its headquarters.

During the gathering, the attendees seized the opportunity to talk about the challenges surrounding the Umrah pilgrimage. They discussed solutions to these and showed the companies new tools and benchmarks for performance. The Ministry also spoke about its strategic direction for the Umrah season and its new services. The new Umrah season started on July 7^th. These initiatives will support the implementation and success of the new Direct Umrah program.

Umrah visa changes

In April, Saudi authorities made changes to its Umrah visa rule. Under the old Umrah visa rule, Umrah visas’ validity began upon entry into Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, under the new Umrah visa guidelines, the Umrah visa is valid for 90 days from its month of issuance.

Apart from the Direct Umrah Program, the Ministry started issuing in June the Umrah visa amid the post-Hajj season. This was to help streamline the arrivals of Umrah pilgrims and ensure they had a smooth and seamless pilgrimage experience.

“[This initiative] leverages the ministry’s experience and establishes technical and field programs to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers and facilitate their rituals,” stated the article from the Saudi Press Agency (SP).

“The ministry is working diligently to commit to implementing the directives of wise leadership, accommodating more pilgrims and Umrah performers, and providing services that meet their needs and aspirations,” the statement continued.

Also in June, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) prepared technical infrastructure to ease Umrah entry procedures. Under the initiative, Saudi authorities will use data and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve services at the Two Holy Mosques.

These developments will work hand-in-hand to support the success and smooth operation of the new Direct Umrah Program.

Umrah in 2025 and in 2030

Earlier in August, Saudi authorities estimated the kingdom receiving 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025 and 30 million by 2030. This is largely attributable to the success of the Guests of God Service Programme, which aims to attract more pilgrims. Moreover, the program helps facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques and provides high-quality access to pilgrims.

In line with this, the Saudi government has been building additional infrastructure and unveiling new technology to improve digital services. For example, several Islamic sites in Makkah and Medina will be renovated.

Photo by Hassan Altarazi on Unsplash