Saudi Arabia Launches 4th Edition of Umrah and Visit Forum

Warda Shahid

September 22, 2026

Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah opens the forum as registrations grow 157% between 2024 and 2026.

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabiah Fourth Umrah and Visit Forum

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Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah launched the 4th Umrah and Visit Forum, held annually under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan, Emir of the Madinah region.
Forum registrations grew by more than 157% between 2024 and 2026. The last edition drew 138 companies and over 5,000 signed agreements.
The 4th edition targets more than 200 participating companies, growth of nearly 45%, and the launch of a new “Excellence Award” across five service tracks.

Jeddah, 21 September 2026 — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah opened the 4th edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum today. Officials, Umrah company representatives, service providers, and sector partners attended the launch.

Forum’s Growing Role

In his speech, the Minister said the forum builds on the care given to the service of guests of the Merciful by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince. The forum is held every year under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Madinah region.

The Minister said the forum has become a global platform bringing together Umrah companies, service providers, and partners from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to build partnerships and develop solutions that improve the experience of pilgrims and visitors.

He said the forum’s registrations grew by more than 157% between 2024 and 2026. The previous edition saw 138 companies take part and more than 5,000 agreements signed.

Fourth Edition Targets

The Minister said the 4th edition aims for more than 200 participating companies, growth of close to 45%, and wider local and international attendance. He said the goal is to turn opportunities into real impact for guests of the Merciful.

He praised the coordination between all participating bodies and their role in the forum’s growth, and said he looks forward to expanding these partnerships in the next edition.

New Excellence Award Launched

The event also saw the launch of the “Excellence Award in Services Provided to Guests of the Merciful.” The award aims to raise the quality of services given to Umrah pilgrims and encourage positive competition and innovation among companies.

The award covers five tracks:

Transport and Aviation
Hotel Services
Enriching Destinations
Gifts
Catering

Winners will be honored during the 4th edition of the forum.

Three Years of Continuous Growth

The forum has grown steadily over the past three years. Registrations passed 49,000 in the previous edition, up from more than 19,000 when the forum launched in 2024. The exhibition space now covers 11,000 square meters, and 174 speakers took part in its sessions.

The forum supports the development of Umrah and visit services and backs the targets of the Guest of the Merciful Service Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030.