Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has outlined a wide range of activities carried out during September 2026, including the distribution of more than 300,000 umbrellas to pilgrims and the training of over 8,000 external Umrah agents. The summary, reported by Saudi outlet Economy Today, highlights the ministry's push to strengthen services ahead of the busy months of the 1448 AH Umrah season.

The ministry framed the work as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and its "Serving Guests of the Merciful" program, which aims to improve every stage of the pilgrim experience. The September activities spanned training, awareness campaigns, international coordination and digital service development.

Services and Training

According to Economy Today, the ministry distributed more than 300,000 umbrellas to worshippers through partnerships, a practical measure aimed at protecting pilgrims from the sun around the holy sites. The umbrellas are part of recurring efforts to improve comfort and safety for those performing Umrah during warmer periods.

The ministry also reported qualifying and training over 8,000 external Umrah agents. These agents operate outside the Kingdom and serve as the first point of contact for many pilgrims arranging their journeys. Strengthening their knowledge of official procedures is intended to reduce confusion and improve service quality for travelers before they arrive.

In addition, the ministry launched a "Domestic Umrah" awareness campaign aimed at encouraging and guiding residents within the Kingdom who wish to perform the pilgrimage.

Conferences and International Coordination

September also saw significant activity on the events calendar. The ministry confirmed that the Sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition had been approved for the sponsorship of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with the gathering scheduled to take place in Jeddah in November 2026.

The ministry further held the fourth edition of the Umrah and Visitation Forum in Jeddah, convened a Saudi-Turkish Umrah companies meeting and conducted a periodic meeting of Saudi Umrah companies. These sessions bring together operators and officials to align on standards and planning for the season ahead.

Digital Development

On the technology front, the ministry pointed to continued progress on the Nusuk digital platform, including a comprehensive cloud migration showcased during the LEAP 2026 technology conference. The upgrade is intended to improve the reliability of digital services that pilgrims rely on for visas, permits and bookings.

The Nusuk ecosystem now underpins much of the Umrah and Hajj journey, from applications to on-the-ground permits, and the ministry has emphasized its readiness during peak periods.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

Travelers planning Umrah can take several steps to benefit from these improvements. Book only through authorized agents, and confirm that any operator abroad is officially recognized before making payments.

  • Use the Nusuk app for visas, permits and official bookings rather than unverified third parties.
  • Carry sun protection, including an umbrella and water, for time spent outdoors around the holy sites.
  • Keep documents updated in digital form so permits and bookings are easy to access on arrival.

The ministry's September summary reflects a steady pace of preparation as the Kingdom continues to welcome large numbers of worshippers throughout the Umrah season.