Saudi Arabia has recorded a significant increase in Umrah arrivals at the start of the 1448H Umrah season, with 931,500 pilgrims entering the Kingdom on Umrah visas between 15 Dhul Hijjah and the end of Muharram, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program.
The two bodies said the number represents a 22.5 percent increase compared with the same period of the previous season.
They added that more than 1.27 million pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia during the same period, highlighting the continued expansion of the Kingdom’s Umrah sector in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.
The ministry said the growth reflects the Saudi leadership’s sustained commitment to serving pilgrims, as well as the strong coordination among government agencies and the ongoing development of digital and operational services designed to improve the overall Umrah experience.
Data released by the ministry showed that 75 percent of international Umrah pilgrims arrived through airports, while 25 percent entered through land and sea ports.
In terms of source countries, Pakistan ranked first with approximately 200,000 pilgrims, followed by Indonesia with 170,000 and Iraq with 130,000.
Officials said efforts are continuing to expand digital services, improve access to facilities, and strengthen operational efficiency so that pilgrims can enjoy a more seamless and higher-quality Umrah journey from the planning stage through their departure from the Kingdom.