In a significant boost to religious tourism, the Umrah season of 1447 H has witnessed a remarkable expansion, with arrivals from around the globe soaring by more than 10 percent across every visa class. Early indicators from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, particularly via the Nusuk digital platform, underscore this surge: over 190,000 Umrah visas have already been issued since the season commenced on 15 Dhu al‑Hijjah, reflecting the strong international appetite for this sacred pilgrimage
Moreover, this upward trajectory is echoed in broader seasonal figures. From the start of the 1447 H season through the end of Muharram, over 1.2 million pilgrims from 109 countries have made their way to Saudi Arabia — a robust 30 percent increase in arrivals compared to the same timeframe last year
Visa issuances have similarly surged by 27 percent, signalling enhanced processing efficiency and growing demand
This uptick is the fruit of a concerted push by Saudi authorities to streamline Umrah operations. The rollout of the Nusuk system, which integrates visa issuance, permit booking, multi‑lingual support and digital guidance for pilgrims, has been pivotal. It marks a key step in fulfilling the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasises seamless digital delivery of services to the Two Holy Mosques
Contractual readiness also played a role: more than 4,200 agreements were struck between Umrah operators and international agents in preparation for the season, helping to ensure that pilgrims enjoy coordinated arrangements for transportation, lodging and guidance upon arrival
In essence, this more than 10 percent rise in global Umrah arrivals is not coincidental but the outcome of improved digital infrastructure, strategic planning, and cross‑border coordination — a narrative that tells of both growing spiritual engagement and operational excellence.