Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved a monumental milestone in 2024, with the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers reaching a record-breaking 18,535,689 individuals. His Excellency Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, proudly announced this achievement, which includes 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims.
This significant announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the 4th Hajj Conference and Exhibition, a prestigious event hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program. The conference, which runs until January 16, brings together representatives, innovators, and experts from 95 countries, all committed to exploring advancements and improvements in the sacred journeys of Hajj and Umrah.
Dr. Al-Rabiah emphasized that this remarkable figure reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the spiritual experience of pilgrims while ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being. The Ministry has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at modernizing services, including streamlined visa procedures, improved transportation systems, and expanded facilities in both Makkah and Madinah.
The conference serves as a platform for discussing innovations in technology, logistics, and healthcare to further enrich the pilgrimage experience. Among the key topics being explored are crowd management strategies, sustainable development in holy sites, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency.
This historic achievement underscores Saudi Arabia's unwavering dedication to its role as the custodian of Islam's two holiest cities, striving to provide a seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey for millions of Muslims worldwide. As the Kingdom continues its ambitious Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify its economy and elevate the Hajj and Umrah experience, even greater milestones are anticipated in the years to come.
Through its ongoing efforts, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the sanctity of these religious obligations while embracing innovation and modernity.