Saudi Arabia recorded a significant rise in the number of pilgrims last month, with more than 11.9 million people performing Umrah. This increase reflects the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to enhance services and make it easier for Muslims from around the world to visit Islam’s holy sites.
According to the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, a total of 68.7 million worshippers and visitors visited Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah during the month. This marks an increase of 2.1 million visitors compared to the previous month, highlighting growing religious activity and increasing confidence among pilgrims.
The data also shows that over 1.7 million Umrah pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the Kingdom’s strong focus on facilitating international visitors. Improvements in visa procedures, transportation, accommodation, and crowd management have played a key role in making religious journeys smoother, safer, and more accessible for Muslims worldwide.
Masjid al-Nabawi alone welcomed approximately 23.1 million visitors during the month. Millions of worshippers offered prayers at Rawdah Sharifah, one of the holiest places in Islam, and paid their respects at the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Authorities ensured well-organized entry and effective crowd flow to maintain safety and comfort for all visitors.
These achievements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience while increasing the number of pilgrims each year. Through continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and services, the Kingdom is significantly improving facilities at the holy mosques.
The rising number of pilgrims reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to serving Islam’s sacred sites and providing a meaningful, safe, and spiritually enriching experience for worshippers from across the globe.
