JEDDAH: In a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector, over 18.5 million foreign pilgrims performed Hajj and Umrah in 2024, a record-breaking achievement reported by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Speaking at the fourth Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, Al-Rabiah outlined the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance services for pilgrims under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Surge in pilgrims
The year 2024 saw 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims, a dramatic increase from previous years. The government has invested heavily in modernising facilities and streamlining services to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Al-Rabiah highlighted the upgrades made to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, particularly the Rawdah Sharif, which experienced a sharp rise in visitors, from 4 million in 2022 to over 13 million in 2024. The improvements, including electronic booking systems, crowd management initiatives, and the training of qualified staff, have played a key role in this surge.
Nusuk app: A digital transformation
As part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, the minister also unveiled the latest update to the Nusuk app, an essential tool for pilgrims planning their journey. The app now offers an integrated experience, providing over 100 new services aimed at enhancing the convenience and ease of Hajj and Umrah. "The journey to Makkah and Madinah was once filled with challenges, but thanks to modern technology and services, it has now become an experience of ease, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment," Al-Rabiah stated.
Makkah Taxi Service
In addition to technological advancements, Saudi Arabia has launched the Makkah Taxi service to improve transportation for pilgrims in Makkah. The fleet, which began operations on January 13, 2025, is part of a phased rollout and aims to address the growing demand for transport in the holy city. The service operates 24/7 with 47 pick-up stations around Makkah, including key locations near the Grand Mosque. The fleet, which will grow to approximately 1,800 vehicles by the end of 2025, is designed to provide environmentally friendly and reliable transport, equipped with smart sensors, surveillance systems, and emergency features. Passengers can pay using cash or credit cards, with fares regulated by the Public Transport Authority.
A global gathering
The four-day exhibition at the Jeddah Superdome features over 280 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.
The event focuses on showcasing innovations and solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience, including the use of AI and digital technologies for crowd management and security at holy sites. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior displayed its cutting-edge security systems and crowd control strategies, emphasizing safety and efficiency during the pilgrimage.
Focus on sustainability
The event also highlighted sustainability initiatives, with workshops on eco-friendly technologies, AI applications, and sustainability in Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah collaborated with Umm Al-Qura University to organise the "Humanizing the Holy Sites" hackathon, inviting students and innovators to contribute ideas for reducing the environmental impact of pilgrimages.
The conference and exhibition, which runs until January 16, is a vital platform for discussing the future of Hajj and Umrah services and improving the overall experience for millions of Muslims from around the world.