Saudi Arabia records 22.5% rise in Umrah arrivals as over 1.27 million pilgrims visit kingdom

Saudi Arabia reported a 22.5% rise in Umrah arrivals at the start of the new season, with over 1.27 million international pilgrims visiting the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program said 931,500 pilgrims arrived on Umrah visas between Dhu Al-Hijjah 15 and the end of Muharram 1448 AH.

Air travel was the preferred mode of entry, accounting for 75% of international arrivals, while 25% entered through land and sea ports.

Pakistan recorded the highest number of Umrah pilgrims with 200,000 arrivals, followed by Indonesia (170,000) and Iraq (130,000).

Officials attributed the growth to government support, coordination between agencies, and improvements to digital platforms and operational services as part of Saudi Vision 2030.