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.
