Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has completed the full migration of its Hajj and Umrah Data Center to cloud computing. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah inaugurated the transition to a fully cloud-based system, marking a milestone in the ministry's long-running digital programme. The Saudi Press Agency reported the announcement on June 28, 2026.
According to the ministry, the move strengthens technological readiness, enhances business continuity, and improves the efficiency of digital services for pilgrims. Al-Rabiah said the achievement reflects the Kingdom's continued support for the Pilgrim Experience Program and advances the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by building an advanced digital ecosystem.
From a 2002 Facility to a Cloud Environment
The Hajj and Umrah Data Center was established in 2002. For 24 years it has served as the technological foundation of the ministry's digital services. Al-Rabiah said the cloud transformation marks a shift from traditional IT infrastructure to a fully integrated cloud environment aligned with the latest global technologies.
The ministry described the transformation as a new stage in its digital journey. It said the cloud model provides a more flexible and efficient infrastructure, strengthens business continuity, and improves the readiness of digital systems ahead of each Hajj and Umrah season. The change is also intended to support the future expansion of digital services.
Scale of the System
The data center serves more than 20 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims each year. Its platforms include the electronic Hajj and Umrah portal, the Nusuk app, and the Nusuk Card. According to the ministry, the center is integrated with more than 70 domestic and international entities, supports more than 51 million Nusuk users, and delivers over 500 digital services.
These figures show how central the system has become to the modern pilgrimage. Most international pilgrims now interact with Saudi services through Nusuk before they ever arrive, from visa applications to permit bookings and accommodation contracts. A more resilient back-end is meant to reduce service interruptions during the busiest periods of the year.
Early Planning for the Next Season
The announcement coincided with early preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. The Makkah Principality Agency for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, working with the Hajj Projects Management Office of the Pilgrim Experience Program, organized three days of discussion sessions to review readiness.
The sessions were held under the directives of Makkah Governor and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, Prince Khalid bin Faisal, and supervised by Deputy Makkah Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal. Representatives from 60 entities involved in serving pilgrims at the holy sites took part. They reviewed the outcomes of the last season and developed recommendations on operational plans, coordination among agencies, and proactive measures to address potential challenges.
What It Means for Pilgrims
For pilgrims preparing for Umrah or Hajj, the practical effect is behind the scenes but real. A cloud-based system is designed to handle sudden surges in demand, such as the opening of a new visa season, with fewer slowdowns. Pilgrims should continue to use only official channels: the Nusuk app and the ministry's electronic portal for visas, permits, and bookings.
Practical tips: keep the Nusuk app updated on your device before travel, save your booking and permit confirmations offline in case of weak signal at the holy sites, and avoid third-party websites that imitate official platforms. Doing so protects both your data and your rights as a pilgrim.