JEDDAH – Record Breaking Number of Pilgrims performed Umrah in 2023 as per the reports of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
On Monday at Jeddah Superdome, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah reported a record number of approximately 13.55 million has been reached of Umrah pilgrims for the year 2023. He further said that a drastic rise of about 58 percent or around five million has been recorded as compared to the year 2019.
The remarks were made by the ministry official during the 3rd annual Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition. Yet another four-day conference under the realm of King Salman the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques is being held.
“Previously, the largest number of Umrah pilgrims from outside the Kingdom was in 2019, estimated at 8.55 million and this year the number surged to 13.55 million, thanks to the elaborate facilities and arrangements made by the Saudi government. This figure is the largest in the history of foreign Umrah pilgrims,” he said.
The ongoing conference has not only addressed but also attracted the amalgamated participation of ministers and leaders from over 80 countries as stated by Al-Rabiah. The conference is also confessed to address and see the signing of Hajj agreements with each of the attending countries. Al-Rabiah further stated, “More than 35 companies will provide their services during the Hajj this year, compared to 20 companies last year.”
The launched projects for the development and enhancement of infrastructure of prestigious and sacred Holy Sites Al-Rabiah highlighted that worth more than SR5 billion has been depicted. The minister then stated, “Last year, we worked to train more than 40,000 workers in the Hajj and Umrah system, and this year we are working to train more than 120,000 people to serve the pilgrims. We also work to raise the level of awareness among pilgrims and have worked on an initiative to establish an awareness center in cooperation with the General Authority of Endowments.”
The minister further added about the electronic visas to be issued to the expatriates of all Gulf countries around the globe to visit the Kingdom and to perform Umrah. Al-Rabiah said, “We visited 13 countries and held exhibitions there with our partners from the public and private sectors, which had a significant impact on improving procedures and understanding the challenges. We worked with our partners to develop more than 200 procedures that facilitate the arrival of pilgrims.”
For the transportation sector, it was highlighted that direct flight initiatives are being taken to raise the channel from 164 destinations to 216 destinations which is around an increase of 32 percent. The minister added, “We also worked to develop historical sites to enrich the pilgrims’ experience,”
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Umrah is a beloved Sunnah wherein as esteemed guests of Allah (SAW), all prayers are answered, poverty is removed, wealth is multiplied and sins are expiated. It benefits a person in this life and life hereafter. Credit for more pilgrims coming to do Umrah also goes to Ministry of Hajj and Umrah which is doing immense and convenience, in various ways, for pilgrims from all over the world. With more facilities thrown open and made convenient, more people are attracted toward doing Umrah pilgrimage.