Saudi Arabia Braces for Surge in Companies Offering Umrah Services

Friday prayers at al-Masjid al-Haram (SPA)
Friday prayers at al-Masjid al-Haram (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Braces for Surge in Companies Offering Umrah Services

Friday prayers at al-Masjid al-Haram (SPA)
Friday prayers at al-Masjid al-Haram (SPA)

The upcoming Umrah season will witness an increase in the number of companies eligible to provide services for the pilgrims, said Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat, adding that the new season will likely witness a rise in the number of international visitors arriving to perform the Umrah rituals.

Mashat told Asharq Al-Awsat that the first groups of Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque will begin arriving from outside the Kingdom on the first day of the new Hijri year. He emphasized that the Saudi government has diligently worked on providing a comprehensive set of facilitations to allow Muslims from all corners of the world to easily access the Two Holy Mosques.

The Vice Minister expected a significant increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims compared to previous years, which aligns with the goals of "Vision 2030."

Mashat stressed that the increase will exceed what was recorded in previous Umrah seasons, noting that the beginning of the year will be strong through the large influx of pilgrims from outside the country.

According to the data, Mashat said a relative increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims is predicted during certain months, particularly in "Rabi al-Awwal and al-Thank, Rajab, Shaaban, and the blessed month of Ramadan. However, he also acknowledged that there will be a significant flow of pilgrims throughout the entire Umrah season.

Regarding the frequent Umrah, Mashat said it was observed during last year's season and expects it to be more frequent for several reasons, including the facilities provided by Saudi Arabia.

He recalled that Saudi Arabia devised an air network that connects various countries with Jeddah or Medina, and all international airports have been opened for pilgrims, tourists, and visitors.

The Ministry and all operating sectors are working through multiple paths to increase the number of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia.

- Improving the experience

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah adopted a methodology to enrich and improve the visitor's experience, according to Mashat, adding that the Ministry is keen to enhance the experience of pilgrims.

The Ministry and concerned authorities providing service to pilgrims sought to reduce the requirements and standards for those from abroad, facilitating visa issuance and allowing visitors to perform Umrah using any available visas.

Mashat noted that the Ministry of Hajj collaborated with a specialized advisory body that studied the global practices similar to the Umrah system in various hospitality fields.

The body developed licensing standards and procedures for specialized companies and institutions with high financial and operational efficiency, according to precise criteria that enabled them to upgrade Umrah services.

He explained that the Ministry allowed all companies and institutions that meet the criteria to apply for a license permanently to provide an equal opportunity for all, noting that many new specialized companies and institutions will be introduced to the services system.

Mashat also stressed that the Ministry is keen to ensure that pilgrims are satisfied with the services provided. It has developed many professional tools to measure the visitors' satisfaction and performance of Umrah companies and institutions and their commitment to the competent authorities' instructions.

Notably, performing Umrah has now become accessible to all individuals coming to the Kingdom with various visa types through easy procedures via the Nusuk application that issues permit for Umrah and visiting the Noble Rawdah.



Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Discuss Development of Military Ties

The Saudi Crown Prince receiving the Pakistani army commander in Riyadh (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince receiving the Pakistani army commander in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Discuss Development of Military Ties

The Saudi Crown Prince receiving the Pakistani army commander in Riyadh (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince receiving the Pakistani army commander in Riyadh (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, met on Wednesday with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to discuss bilateral relations and explore opportunities for further development, particularly in the military sector. The meeting, held in the Crown Prince’s office in Riyadh, covered a range of shared interests.
Attending the reception on the Saudi side were Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Advisor; Khalid Al-Humaidan, Head of General Intelligence; Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Advisor to the Royal Court; General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff; and Nawaf Al-Maliki, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan.
Representing Pakistan were Ahmad Farooq, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Brigadier Mohammad Asim, Military Attaché at the embassy in Riyadh.
In a separate meeting, Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Defense Minister, also met with General Asim Munir to discuss the historic ties between the two countries, focusing on strategic cooperation in military and defense areas and exploring ways to strengthen and expand bilateral ties. They also discussed various issues of mutual concern.