Makkah Prepares to Host Over 2 Million Umrah Pilgrims this Ramadan

Travel

Makkah Prepares to Host Over 2 Million Umrah Pilgrims this Ramadan

March 4, 2025

Makkah is preparing to welcome over 2 million Umrah pilgrims in this Ramadan in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Popular hotels near the Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram are 90% booked, although deals can still be obtained on popular online travel platforms such as WelcomeSaudi.com.

Saudi Arabia’s authorities have also boosted crowd management, upgraded the Nusuk app, and enhanced security for a safe and smoother pilgrim experience.

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Makkah Getting Ready

[Image Credit: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah]

The Holy City of Makkah prepares to host an extraordinary number of Umrah pilgrims during the upcoming month of Ramadan.

With projections indicating over two million faithful visitors, the Saudi Arabian authorities and various sectors are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all who embark on this sacred journey.

With the arrival of Ramadan, Makkah stands ready to welcome millions of visitors who aim to perform Umrah and break their fasts within the calmness of the Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram.

Significance of Umrah in Ramadan

Umrah, often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Performing Umrah during Ramadan is particularly meritorious, as it is believed to carry the reward of a full Hajj.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. It is believed to be the month in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad, May the Peace and Blessings of God be upon Him.

The spiritual atmosphere during Ramadan is charged with devotion, making it an ideal time for Muslims to seek closeness to Allah through acts of worship, including Umrah.

Projected Pilgrim Numbers

Experts in Umrah affairs predict that the number of pilgrims will surpass two million, marking a significant increase from previous years.

This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including improved facilities, streamlined visa processes, and the alignment of school holidays with Ramadan in many countries.

Favorable Weather Conditions

During this period, the mild climate in Makkah, with daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F), provides comfortable conditions for pilgrims. This pleasant weather encourages more people to undertake the journey, as it reduces the physical strain associated with performing rituals in extreme heat.

Enhanced Digital Services

The recent update to the Nusuk app, which now offers over 100 additional services, has significantly streamlined the Umrah planning and execution process.

This digital innovation has made it easier for pilgrims to manage their travel arrangements, accommodations, and spiritual itineraries, thereby encouraging more individuals to embark on the pilgrimage.

Alignment of School Holidays

The coincidence of school vacations in many countries with the month of Ramadan has opened up opportunities for families to travel together.

This timing allows parents to bring their children on this spiritually enriching journey without disrupting their education, contributing to the increased number of pilgrims.

Improved Transportation Infrastructure

Ongoing developments in Saudi Arabia’s transportation network, including expanded airports and improved road systems, have made travel to Makkah more accessible.

These enhancements have reduced travel times and increased comfort, making the pilgrimage more appealing to a broader range of individuals.

Hospitality Sector Preparations

The influx of pilgrims has sparked a flurry of activity in Makkah’s hospitality industry. This section examines how hotels and accommodation providers are gearing up for the busy season.

Hotel Occupancy Rates

With over 1,100 hotels of varying categories in Makkah, the hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented demand.

Hotels in central areas near the Al Masjid Al Haram have reported occupancy rates reaching 90%, while establishments in districts like Al-Shisha, Al-Aziziyah, and Al-Rawdah are already fully booked.

Some of the Best Hotels in Makkah close to Al Masjid Al Haram include:

Affordable hotels located a little further away include

Many of these hotels also offer regular shuttle bus services to Al Masjid Al Haram.

Preparations by Saudi Authority

Saudi authorities are implementing comprehensive plans to manage the influx of pilgrims effectively. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is at the forefront of preparations, overseeing the entire pilgrimage process. Their responsibilities include:

Coordinating with international agencies to manage pilgrim quotas
Implementing advanced booking systems for Umrah slots
Providing support services from the moment pilgrims enter the country until their departure

Security Measures and Crowd Management

The Interior Ministry, under the leadership of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, has approved an extensive security plan for the 1446H (2025) Umrah season. Key aspects of this plan include:

Deployment of additional security personnel around holy sites
Implementation of advanced crowd control technologies
Establishment of emergency response protocols
Coordination between various security agencies for seamless operations

Traffic Management and Transportation

To ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims, authorities are focusing on:

Expanding public transportation options within Makkah
Implementing smart traffic management systems to reduce congestion
Creating designated routes for pilgrim buses and emergency vehicles
Enhancing parking facilities around the Grand Mosque

Health and Safety Protocols

In light of ongoing global health concerns, the Saudi health authorities are implementing rigorous measures to safeguard pilgrims’ well-being:

Setting up medical facilities and emergency response units near holy sites
Conducting health screenings for incoming pilgrims
Implementing sanitization protocols in public areas
Providing health education and awareness programs for pilgrims

A Sacred Welcome

As Makkah stands on the threshold of welcoming an unprecedented number of Umrah pilgrims this Ramadan, it is clear that the city and its people are well-prepared for this monumental task.

As millions of Muslims from around the world converge on Makkah, they will find a welcoming environment that honors tradition while embracing the future, ensuring that the timeless ritual of Umrah continues to inspire and transform lives for generations 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

[Image Credit: Jabal Omar Development Company]

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

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

TAGGED: Hospitality, Hotels, Makkah, Travel, Umrah