Will 2024 break last year record of highest number of Umrah pilgrims?

In 2024, the number of Umrah pilgrims is expected to surpass the record-breaking 13.5 million who performed the pilgrimage in 2023, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq al-Rabiah, announced. This projection comes on the heels of significant infrastructure enhancements and the introduction of new initiatives to streamline the pilgrimage process. 

In 2023, the Kingdom saw a historic 58 percent increase in the number of pilgrims compared to the previous year. The surge, driven by the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions and enhanced facilities, marked the highest number of international Umrah pilgrims ever recorded. The number exceeded the previous peak of 8.5 million in 2019, reaching an unprecedented 13.5 million.

Al-Rabiah attributed this success to Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to develop the holy sites, with investments exceeding $1.3 billion. Notable improvements include the installation of 150,000 new air-conditioning units, 14,000 additional restrooms, and enhanced services for pilgrims, particularly during the hot summer months.

The Kingdom's efforts to simplify the pilgrimage process were further bolstered by the launch of e-visas in December 2023. Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed el-Khereiji highlighted that this initiative allows pilgrims to obtain visas more easily and addresses health and security challenges related to forged documents.

As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia remains focused on accommodating increasing numbers of pilgrims. The country continues to expand services, and at the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, ongoing discussions about the future development of holy cities and pilgrimage sites are expected to further streamline and enhance the Umrah experience in 2024.

With these efforts, the Kingdom is poised to welcome even more pilgrims in 2024, setting a new record in its ongoing commitment to serving Muslims from around the world.