SIn the beginning of the 2025 Umrah season on 11 June, Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 1.2 million pilgrims from 109 countries, marking a significant growth compared to last year. Supported by better digital platforms, strict housing rules and increased safety measures, the Haj and Umrah are providing more comfortable, safe and spiritually concentrated pilgrimage experience than ever.
Increase in pilgrim arrival signs of increasing global interest
The Ministry of Haj and Umrah said on Thursday that this year’s Umrah season, which officially started on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hija 1446A), has already attracted adequate influx of pilgrims. More than 1.2 million visitors have arrived on Wednesday, June 11 (15 Dhu al-Hija 1446A) since the onset of the season, representing a 30% increase in the arrival of Umrah visas as compared to the same period in 2024. This development spreads pilgrims from 109 countries worldwide, which highlights the successful efforts of Saudi Arabia to expand and enhance its religious tourism sector. Visa issuing also increased by 27%, reflecting increased demand and efficiency in processing applications. To support this boom, over 4,200 contracts between Saudi Umrah companies and international travel agents have been finalized, which ensures well-coordinated services including housing, transport and on-a-gound guidance. These agreements were required to be completed by May 27, 2025 (29 Dhu al-Qadah 1446A), beyond the official visa release date on 10 June.
Releasing streamlined visa and administrative preparations
The cycle of issuing Umrah Visa for 2025 was officially opened on June 10, aligning with the onset of the new Umrah season that would extend to 2026 (1447A). This date marked a significant milestone in the preparations for the state to handle the increasing number of pilgrims efficiently. The ministry used NUSUK platform-which is an integrated digital gateway for the services of pilgrims-to issue visa from June 11 and to facilitate appointment booking. The platform provides multi-language support, allowing pilgrims to use a wide range of services, including permits applications, appointment scheduling and educational materials. Service providers and travel companies were directed to complete the May 27 deadline to finalize their contracts, which helps guarantee a smooth arrival and guarantee the experience of experience. This requirement supports the comprehensive vision of the state of operations, infrastructure and integration of technology to improve the overall pilgrimage journey.
More than 89 new initiatives increase security, comfort and spiritual experience
For the 2025 Umrah season, Saudi officials have introduced an impressive suite of more than 89 new initiatives with the aim of improving pilgrims’ safety, convenience and spiritual attention. Major highlights include:
- “Rushad” app: Launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, this app offers pilgrim Quran access, prayer time,
Kibla Disha, VR-directed Umrah tutorial, and an Islamic e-library in many languages, increasing spiritual engagement through technology. - Smart Security Bracelet: Designed for children, elderly and blind pilgrims, these bracelets store emergency contact information and allow rapid response in case of crisis or emergency.
- Medina Infrastructure Upgrade: The AI-managed crowd management system, better road access to religious sites, training of upgraded employees and rapid emergency response protocols have been implemented with sixteen projects.
- Prophet Masjid Service Center: Two multilingual centers provided assistance to more than 188,000 visitors with mobility AIDS, restband and navigational assistance.
- Hotel Compliance and Security: Ministry of Tourism Closes 25 hotels
Maize For violations such as poor maintenance and fire risk, encouraging pilgrims to report concerns through 930 hotline.
These reforms reflect commitment to a safe, comfortable and rich Umrah experience of Saudi Arabia, focusing a strong focus on integrating advanced technology and human-centric service.
Nusuk Masar platform: new rules on housing booking
From June 10, 2025, the Kingdom has stated that no Umrah visa will be issued without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel booking through the “Nusuk Masar” platform. The purpose of this policy is:
- Protect the rights of pilgrims
- Remove unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices
- Stop hotel overbooking
- Maintain high housing standards
- Elite the overall pilgrimage journey
The Nusuk Masar platform serves as an official digital hub for managing pilgrimage services, allowing pilgrims and service providers to book and confirm in hotels approved by the Ministry, upload housing contracts and manage permits. It also provides educational material in many languages to support the preparation of pilgrims. The Ministry has issued strict advice to all licensed Umrah companies, authorized establishments and international agents, warning that failure in compliance with new housing documentation rules can result in visa rejection, processing delay or punishment as a result of failure.
