Riyadh: In a bid to enhance the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims worldwide, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a groundbreaking 'Direct Umrah Program'. This innovative initiative aims to eliminate intermediaries and ensure the highest quality services for pilgrims directly from participating companies.
The Direct Umrah Program is a key component of the Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to transform the kingdom into a global leader in various sectors. The program seeks to enrich the pilgrim's journey by offering visits to historical sites related to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other significant landmarks in Saudi Arabia.
The announcement was made during a second meeting of Umrah organizations, held in Makkah on August 20. The meeting, organized in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), focused on discussing strategies to enhance the pilgrim experience and address key challenges in the industry.
Historical context
The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina are considered among the most important religious obligations for Muslims worldwide. Millions of Muslims from diverse backgrounds converge on Saudi Arabia each year to perform these sacred rituals.
Key features of the direct Umrah program
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Direct service providers: The program empowers companies to serve pilgrims directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
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Enhanced pilgrim experience: The program focuses on enriching the pilgrim's journey by offering visits to historical sites and other attractions.
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Professional destination management: The program encourages service providers to adopt a professional approach to destination management and trip organization.
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Innovation and technology: The program leverages technology and innovation to improve the overall pilgrim experience.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to tourism
The launch of the Direct Umrah Program is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting religious tourism and enhancing the pilgrim experience. The kingdom has been investing heavily in infrastructure and services to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and visitors.
As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize and diversify its economy, the Direct Umrah Program represents a significant step forward in its efforts to become a global leader in tourism and hospitality.