Saudi Arabia has reported a sharp increase in Umrah arrivals at the start of the new season, with the number of pilgrims entering the Kingdom on Umrah visas rising by 22.5% compared with the previous year.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. During the same period, total international arrivals surpassed 1.27 million.Officials attributed the growth to continued government support, closer coordination between agencies, and ongoing improvements to digital platforms and operational services as part of Saudi Vision 2030.Air travel remained the preferred mode of entry, accounting for 75% of international arrivals, while the remaining 25% entered through land and sea ports.Among all countries, Pakistan recorded the highest number of Umrah pilgrims with 200,000 arrivals, followed by Indonesia with 170,000 and Iraq with 130,000.The ministry said it will continue enhancing its digital services and operational systems to make the Umrah journey smoother and more efficient, from trip planning through to pilgrims’ departure from the Kingdom.
