Saudi Arabia has announced that it welcomed a record 18.5 million pilgrims in 2024.
Announced at the fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference in Jeddah, the pilgrims included 16.9 million Umrah performers and 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims.
The conference also showcased innovations, including the launch of the Makkah Taxi service and AI powered security solutions to reinforce Makkah’s position as a smart, sustainable city for pilgrims.
Welcoming Record-Breaking Pilgrims to KSA
The record breaking feat by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) of welcoming an astounding 18.5 million pilgrims in 2024 to its holy cities of Makkah and Madinah underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to enhancing the spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide
The announcement of this historic achievement came during the fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition held in Jeddah, a gathering that has become synonymous with progress and innovation in pilgrimage services.
The event, aptly themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” served as a platform for showcasing groundbreaking initiatives and technologies aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience to new heights.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The record-breaking figure of 18.5 million pilgrims in 2024 is a testament to the Kingdom’s expanding capacity to host visitors from around the globe. This total encompasses two distinct groups of pilgrims, each contributing significantly to the overall count:
- Umrah Performers: The majority of the pilgrims, numbering an impressive 16,924,689, were Umrah performers. These individuals undertook the lesser pilgrimage, which can be performed at any time of the year.
- Hajj Pilgrims: The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, attracted 1,611,310 participants in 2024.
These figures not only represent a significant increase from previous years but also highlight the Kingdom’s success in managing the logistical challenges associated with hosting such a vast number of visitors.
The Fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference
The announcement of the record-breaking pilgrim numbers was made at the fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, an event that has become a cornerstone in the Kingdom’s efforts to continually improve pilgrimage services.
This year’s conference, running through January 16, brought together over 300 local and international organizations, creating a melting pot of ideas and innovations aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience. The conference served as a showcase for cutting-edge technologies and services including:
- Transportation solutions to ease mobility within holy sites
- Advanced crowd management systems utilizing artificial intelligence
- Sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact
- Digital platforms for streamlining pilgrim services and information dissemination
The event’s theme, “The Road to the Nusuk,” encapsulated the Kingdom’s vision of creating a seamless and spiritually enriching journey for all pilgrims.
Through a series of presentations, workshops, and exhibitions, attendees gained insights into the future of pilgrimage services and the role of technology in shaping this future.
Launch of Makkah Taxi
One of the most significant announcements at the conference was the launch of Makkah Taxi, a groundbreaking transportation service developed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
This initiative represents a major step forward in addressing the mobility needs of millions of pilgrims who visit the holy city each year.
Key features of the Makkah Taxi service include:
- Strategic Coverage: The service will operate across 47 carefully selected locations in Makkah, with a particular focus on areas surrounding the Grand Mosque.
- Gradual Implementation: To ensure a smooth transition and optimal service quality, the taxi service is being introduced in phases, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.
- Fleet Expansion: Plans are in place to grow the fleet to approximately 1,800 vehicles by the end of 2025, catering to the increasing transport demand in the holy city.
- Advanced Technology: The taxis are equipped with state-of-the-art features including surveillance systems, smart sensors, and emergency buttons, prioritizing passenger safety and comfort.
- Flexible Payment Options: Passengers can choose to pay using either cash or credit cards, with fares regulated by the Public Transport Authority to ensure fairness and transparency.
AI Powered Security Systems
The Ministry of Interior also showcased AI-powered security systems at the conference, emphasizing technology’s role in ensuring pilgrim safety.
Key innovations included crowd management algorithms to prevent congestion, facial recognition for streamlined identification, and smart surveillance to detect security threats. Predictive analytics also played a crucial role in anticipating challenges during peak pilgrimage periods.
The “No Hajj Without a Permit” Campaign
A significant focus of the Ministry of Interior’s presentation was the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting regulatory compliance and ensuring a safe pilgrimage experience for all. This campaign addresses several critical aspects of pilgrimage management:
- Awareness Creation: Educating potential pilgrims about the importance of obtaining official permits and following established regulations.
- Capacity Management: Helping authorities maintain control over the number of pilgrims, ensuring that facilities and services are not overwhelmed.
- Security Enhancement: By requiring permits, authorities can better track and manage the flow of pilgrims, improving overall security measures.
- Health and Safety: Ensuring that all pilgrims meet the necessary health requirements and are prepared for the physical demands of the pilgrimage.
- Fraud Prevention: Reducing the risk of pilgrims falling victim to unauthorized tour operators or fraudulent schemes.
The “Humanizing the Holy Sites” Hackathon
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with Umm Al-Qura University, organized the “Humanizing the Holy Sites” hackathon to tap into young talent and fresh ideas.
Participants developed sustainable solutions to enhance the pilgrim experience while preserving the environment. The event focused on accessibility, crowd flow, information sharing, conservation, and cultural preservation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving pilgrimage services.
Regional Initiatives: Makkah and Madinah’s Contributions
The conference also highlighted the unique contributions of the Makkah and Madinah regions in enhancing the pilgrimage experience. Each region’s principality presented initiatives tailored to their specific roles in the pilgrimage journey:
Makkah Region Principality
- Regulatory Awareness: Focused on educating pilgrims about local laws and customs to ensure a smooth and respectful pilgrimage experience.
- Cultural Preservation: Initiatives to maintain the historical and cultural significance of Makkah while accommodating modern needs.
- Urban Development: Showcasing ongoing projects to improve infrastructure and services in the holy city.
Madinah Region Principality
- Pilgrim Services: Highlighting specialized services designed to cater to the needs of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Historical Tours: Programs to help pilgrims explore the rich Islamic heritage of Madinah.
- Technological Integration: Demonstrating how smart city concepts are being applied to enhance the visitor experience in Madinah.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Innovations
A key theme running through the conference was the emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices in pilgrimage management.
This focus aligns with global trends towards responsible tourism and the Kingdom’s own Vision 2030 goals for sustainable development.
Saudi Pilgrimage Leadership
As the Kingdom continues to invest in its pilgrimage infrastructure and services, it not only fulfills its role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques but also sets new global standards for large-scale event management and religious tourism.
Saudi Arabia Pilgrims Visa Initiatives
Temporary Work Visa for Hajj and Umrah Services
Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant update to its temporary work visa regulations for Hajj and Umrah services.
The revised policy renames the seasonal work visa as the “Temporary Work Visa for Hajj and Umrah Services,” with a validity period extending from the 15th of Shaban until the end of Muharram, 2025.
This update simplifies employer-employee agreements, includes medical insurance, and enhances clarity in the visa application process.
Umrah For All Visa Holders
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visitors holding any valid visa can now perform Umrah without a dedicated Umrah visa.
All visa holders can now get an Umrah permit via the Nusuk app, simplifying the planning and application process.
This initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to welcome over 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.
Keep Reading: Saudi Arabia Updates Regulations to Its Temporary Work Visa for Hajj and Umrah Services
