The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the fourth edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, marking a new stage in the Kingdom's drive to expand and modernise services for the millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah and Madinah each year. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the announcement was made in Jeddah on September 21, 2026, under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Madinah region.

The forum has grown into one of the largest gatherings of the Umrah and Ziyarah sector. It brings together travel companies, service providers, technology firms and investors from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to sign agreements and share solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience from arrival to departure.

Strong Growth in Participation

The Ministry pointed to sharp growth in the sector's interest in the event. According to figures cited at the launch, registrations rose by 157 percent between 2024 and 2026. The previous edition brought together 138 companies and produced more than 5,000 signed agreements between operators and service providers.

For the fourth edition, organisers are targeting the participation of more than 200 companies, an increase of roughly 45 percent over the previous round. The Ministry described the forum as a global platform that connects Umrah companies and partners from within the Kingdom and abroad in order to build lasting commercial relationships.

Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, said the event reflects the attention devoted to serving pilgrims by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said the forum has become a meeting point for companies and partners working to strengthen the sector.

New Excellence Award for Service Providers

A notable addition to this edition is a new excellence award recognising quality across the Umrah service chain. According to reports on the launch, the award covers five categories: transport and aviation, hotel services, enriching destinations, gifts, and catering.

The award is designed to encourage companies to raise standards in the areas that shape a pilgrim's journey most directly, from the flight and the hotel to the meals and the sites they visit. It reflects a wider shift in the Kingdom toward measuring service quality and rewarding providers who deliver it consistently.

Part of a Wider Reform Push

The forum sits within the Pilgrim Experience Programme, one of the initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to increase the number of Umrah performers and improve the quality of the services offered to them. Recent seasons have already seen the Kingdom introduce digital visa services through the Nusuk platform, longer visa validity windows, and closer coordination with Hajj and Umrah offices around the world.

By opening participation to a larger number of companies, the Ministry is signalling that it wants private operators to play a central role in expanding capacity and introducing new ideas. The emphasis on partnerships, both local and international, points to a model in which service quality is driven by competition among a growing pool of licensed providers.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims and Operators

For pilgrims planning Umrah in the current 1448 AH season, the forum is a reminder that the sector is changing quickly. Book through licensed companies and official channels such as the Nusuk platform rather than informal agents, to reduce the risk of fraud and to ensure that visas and accommodation are properly registered.

  • Confirm licensing: Check that any travel agent or package provider is authorised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before paying.
  • Keep documents ready: Ensure passports, bookings and visa details are complete and match across platforms.
  • Watch official updates: Season dates, entry rules and package options can change, so follow announcements from the Ministry and Saudi Press Agency.

For companies in the sector, the expanded fourth edition offers a direct route to new partnerships and a chance to compete for recognition under the new excellence award. The Ministry has framed the event as central to its goal of serving a rising number of guests to the Two Holy Mosques.