Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced the start of the 2025 Umrah season with the opening of visa applications for international pilgrims.
Pilgrims can secure permits and access digital support tools through Saudi Arabia’s centralised digital Nusuk app from Wednesday.
The ministry is also adding multilingual features and awareness initiatives to ensure a smooth, secure pilgrimage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
Starting 2025 Umrah Season
The 2025 Umrah season officially began on June 10, 2025, with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah facilitating the issuance of visas for foreign pilgrims.
This announcement comes with the opening of visa applications for international travelers, allowing them to embark on their spiritual journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy to streamline the pilgrimage process and make it more accessible to individuals from around the globe. The ministry has emphasized its commitment to providing a seamless experience for all participants.
Visa Applications through Nusuk
Starting June 11, pilgrims can apply for their Umrah permits through the innovative Nusuk app. This centralized digital platform is designed to simplify obtaining necessary permits and offers various digital services tailored to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
The app serves as a one-stop solution for all Umrah-related needs, making it easier for travelers to navigate their journey.
Features of Nusuk App
The Nusuk app is not just a tool for permit acquisition; it also provides a range of features to enrich the overall experience for pilgrims. Users can access real-time information, book accommodations, and receive guidance throughout their journey.
This digital transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the pilgrimage experience.
Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience
In anticipation of the new Umrah season, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has undertaken extensive operational and technical preparations. These efforts have been coordinated with various relevant authorities to ensure that all procedures are efficient and effective.
Expanding Pilgrims’ Support Initiatives
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of Umrah pilgrims, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expanding its multilingual digital tools and awareness initiatives. This effort is designed to cater to the needs of a global audience, ensuring that all pilgrims can access the information and support they require.
Expanding Digital Tools
The ministry is actively working to enhance its digital offerings, making them available in multiple languages. This initiative aims to break down language barriers and provide comprehensive support to pilgrims from various regions.
Awareness Campaigns
In addition to digital tools, the ministry is launching awareness campaigns to educate pilgrims about the Umrah process, safety measures, and available services. These campaigns ensure travelers are well-informed and prepared for their journey.
Transformative Umrah Season Awaits
The launch of the 2025 Umrah season marks a new era for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. With the introduction of the Nusuk app, enhanced safety measures, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for all travelers.
The 2025 Umrah season promises to be a transformative experience, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and setting a new standard for pilgrimage in the years to come.
Redefining Hospitality Projects in Makkah
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Makkah
Marriott International has signed an agreement to launch the largest Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the world in Holy Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Marriott is teaming up with BinDawood Trading subsidiaries to open the hotel in the Al Naseem district of Makkah in 2026, InshaAllah.
Scheduled to be named Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, the hotel is set to feature 2,179 keys and an 1,800 capacity restaurant.
The project supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to host 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims each year by 2030.
Opening of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah
Radisson Hotel Group has introduced the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Algharbi, further strengthening its footprint in the Holy City.
Situated within the Thakher City development, just 2.1 km from Al Masjid Al Haram, the hotel boasts 161 upscale rooms and provides a round-the-clock shuttle service to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The Thakher Makkah project is designed to host up to 1.6 million pilgrims once fully completed.
Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences in Makkah
Accor, a top global hotel brand, has announced the Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences in Makkah, an MGallery Collection hotel in collaboration with Alesayi Holding Group.
Opening in 2028, this luxury boutique property will include 276 hotel rooms and 214 residences for sale.
The design will incorporate Islamic heritage themes, with the first floor dedicated to Omar Ibn Al Khattab, the second caliph of Islam.
Masar Makkah Destination
The hotel landscape in Makkah is about to undergo a significant transformation with a massive investment of $666.6 million into the highly anticipated Masar Destination.
The Masar Destination, owned by Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Co., has partnered with the General Authority of Awqaf to bring over 1,000 new upscale hotel rooms to the sacred city of Makkah.
The centerpiece of this project is the Residential Towers, which showcase the ambitious vision of Masar Destination.
In September 2023, Umm Al-Qura announced a collaboration with Scope Properties to construct Residential Towers in Makkah, a project worth $240 Million (SAR900 million).
Jabal Omar Development
The Jabal Omar Development Project, an 8 Billion SAR project, is a one-of-a-kind initiative focused on revitalizing the urban area to offer high-quality lodging and facilitate religious, social, and business amenities and resources for both tourists and inhabitants of the sacred city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
By 2030, Jabal Omar Development Company plans to run 15 hotels across 230,000 square meters of area. These hotels will offer a direct view of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing guests with a convenient and spiritually enriching experience.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel
The Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, the first hotel in Saudi Arabia by the Jumeirah Hotel group from Dubai, has been officially announced to be open.
Located in the second phase of the Jabal Omar development, the hotel is positioned in the heart of Jabal Omar near the Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram.
Featuring more than 1000 rooms and suites, some offering direct views of the haram, the hotel strives to provide extraordinary experiences to pilgrims on their Hajj and Umrah journeys.
Address Hotel Jabal Omar
The 5-star Address Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel provides a luxurious stay, dining options, and other amenities, making it a spiritual sanctuary in the center of Makkah. Just 1640 feet from Masjid Al Haram, the hotel offers a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge, and a restaurant for its guests.
The 5-star Address Hotel in Jabal Omar Makkah has also revealed Sky Musallah, the highest prayer room in the world, located within a sky bridge.
It has earned a Guinness World Record at an impressive 483 meters above sea level. The Sky Musallah offers stunning panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, The Holy Kaaba, and Makkah City.
The sky bridge connects the two twin towers of The Address Jabal Omar Hotel, spanning the 36th to 38th floors, and has a capacity of 520 people. It is a remarkable lookout point for guests staying at this iconic and centrally located hotel in Makkah.
Renowned Hotels in Jabal Omar Makkah
- Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah Hotel
- Hilton Suites Makkah Hotel
- Conrad Makkah
- Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Jabal Omar Hotel
- Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah
Voco Makkah
To provide for religious travelers’ needs during the Hajj or Umrah seasons, IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its premium Voco brand in Makkah. Voco Makkah is the third Voco property in Saudi Arabia and the largest globally, with 4,321 keys.
Keep Reading: Marriott International to Open the World’s Largest Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Makkah
