In a major development aimed at enhancing the spiritual journey for pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that the official Nusuk app will now function without requiring any mobile data, airtime credit, or internet packages. This significant stride follows a strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia’s top three telecommunications giants: STC, Zain, and Mobily.
Announced on Wednesday, the initiative is designed to ease digital access for millions of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah, particularly during peak religious seasons. By removing the barrier of internet access costs, the Ministry hopes to ensure that every pilgrim, regardless of financial capacity, can benefit from Nusuk’s wide array of digital services, many of which are now considered essential tools for a safe and organized pilgrimage.
Nusuk, which serves as the official digital gateway for Hajj and Umrah planning and coordination, offers a range of features including live navigation through the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, updates on queue status at key entrances, emergency contact support, electronic permit issuance, and real-time ritual guidance in multiple languages. With this new data-free access, users can also explore interactive maps of holy sites, get schedules for significant events, and locate multilingual help desks at various facilities, all without spending a kobo on data.
According to the Ministry, this development not only reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to harnessing technology for religious tourism but also highlights the crucial role of private sector partners in driving innovation. Officials from STC, Zain, and Mobily jointly reiterated that while full access to the Nusuk platform is now free of data charges, standard internet rates will still apply for other websites, apps, or general browsing outside the Nusuk domain.
For Nigerian pilgrims, many of whom rely heavily on digital tools to navigate the complexities of the Hajj and Umrah experience, this move comes as a welcome relief. In a country where data affordability can vary significantly, the assurance of uninterrupted and cost-free access to the official pilgrimage app will not only improve spiritual focus but also enhance security, coordination, and access to timely information.
The Nusuk app remains available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Pilgrims are encouraged to ensure their app is up to date to enjoy the full suite of features now accessible without the need for mobile data.
This progressive shift forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 reform plan, which includes transforming the Kingdom into a global hub for religious tourism, while also streamlining services through cutting-edge digital infrastructure. With initiatives like this, the experience of Hajj and Umrah is not just becoming more inclusive, it is evolving into a digitally empowered journey of faith.
