Hajj and Umrah have achieved a historic leap in the number of pilgrims during 2025, as it was announced that the number of pilgrims doubled by 100% compared to the past three years. This achievement reflects a qualitative shift in season management and an improvement in the experience of the guests of the Most Merciful within the Kingdom. It was confirmed that this increase coincided with a notable rise in satisfaction and quality indicators, reinforcing confidence in the operational and regulatory system which has seen extensive development in recent years.

Satisfaction and Quality Indicators Exceed Expectations

It was revealed that the satisfaction rate of pilgrims during 2025 reached 94%, with more than 92% achieved in the service quality index for the Umrah season of 1447H. It was indicated that the previous Hajj season witnessed a similar leap in satisfaction levels, rising from 74% to 91%. Public Hajj services also recorded more than 92% in the quality index, reflecting the effectiveness of development programs aimed at improving both digital and field infrastructure simultaneously.

Record Numbers in Visas and Digital Services

It was clarified that more than 12.4 million Umrah visas were issued to beneficiaries from 172 countries, a clear indicator of the global expansion of the service. Furthermore, the number of users of the Nusuk application exceeded 40 million, and the Nusuk card provided its services to more than 1.6 million pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1446H. Websites and digital content achieved a proficient level of 73%, in addition to obtaining 6 international ISO certificates for the sixth consecutive year in the quality and governance of digital services.

Integrated Field Organization and Impactful Humanitarian Initiatives

It was confirmed that the reservation of camps for more than one million pilgrims was completed, and agreements for Hajj affairs arrangements were signed with 77 offices worldwide. The awareness bags initiative was implemented by preparing 20 bags in 14 languages, with each guide exceeding 135 pages. The Happiness Team executed more than 3,000 field initiatives benefiting approximately 350,000 pilgrims. Nusuk Care Centers contributed to reducing cases of disorientation by 68% through more than 300 service points in Makkah and the holy sites.

Staff Qualification and International Accreditations Enhance Leadership

Specialized teams conducted more than 8.4 thousand field tours, improving the experience of over 270,000 pilgrims by 87%. Training programs were implemented, encompassing more than 319,000 seats for workers serving the guests of the Most Merciful during the Hajj season of 1446H. Training seats allocated for pilgrims exceeded one million seats in 30 countries and in 12 languages. An accreditation as an innovative government organization at an advanced level was received from the Global Innovation Institute (GInI). Inclusion among the top 6 government entities in the national data index was achieved, along with receiving the Employee Engagement Award for the third consecutive time, reaffirming the entrenchment of a culture of innovation and sustainable quality.

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Hajj

The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able. Its rituals, performed over several days, trace back to the prophets Abraham (Ibrahim) and Ishmael (Ismail) and commemorate their acts of faith, with the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque serving as the focal point. The pilgrimage, a pillar of Islam, has been continuously observed for over fourteen centuries, uniting millions of Muslims from across the globe in a profound demonstration of spiritual equality and devotion.

Umrah

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which can be undertaken at any time of the year. Unlike the mandatory Hajj, it has a shorter set of rituals, including circling the Kaaba and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Its history is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, who performed it himself, re-establishing a practice linked to the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his family.

Kingdom

“Kingdom” is too broad a term for a specific place or cultural site, as it could refer to many historical or modern nations (e.g., the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), fictional realms, or even entertainment venues. If referring to a historical kingdom, such as the ancient Kingdom of Kush in Nubia, it was a major power along the Nile from around 1070 BCE to 350 CE, known for its pyramids and conflicts with Egypt. For a more accurate summary, please specify a particular kingdom (e.g., the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Kingdom of France, or the Magic Kingdom at Disney).

Makkah

Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in Islam, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, a mandatory religious duty that traces its rites back to these ancient origins.

holy sites

Holy sites are sacred locations of religious significance, often tied to foundational events, figures, or divine revelations in a faith’s history. Examples include Jerusalem’s Western Wall, Mecca’s Kaaba, and the Buddhist Bodh Gaya, each with histories spanning centuries or millennia. They serve as central points for pilgrimage, worship, and spiritual connection for believers worldwide.

Nusuk application

The Nusuk application is the official Saudi government platform for managing visits to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina, including the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. It was launched to streamline and digitize the pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah) experience, allowing users to obtain permits, book services, and access guidance. Its development is part of the broader “Saudi Vision 2030” initiative to enhance the quality and organization of religious tourism.

Nusuk card

The Nusuk card is not a physical place or cultural site, but an official digital permit and e-wallet system for visitors to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. Introduced in 2022, it is part of the broader “Nusuk” platform by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, designed to streamline and facilitate the pilgrimage (Umrah) experience for international travelers. The card centralizes essential services, including visa verification, appointment bookings for holy sites, and digital payments, modernizing the management of the ancient Islamic pilgrimage traditions.

Nusuk Care Centers

Nusuk Care Centers are facilities in Saudi Arabia dedicated to serving pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. They provide essential services like medical care, guidance, and logistical support to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience. These centers are part of the broader “Nusuk” platform, launched by the Saudi government to modernize and streamline pilgrimage services for visitors.