The Nusuk app, Saudi Arabia's official platform for planning Umrah and Hajj, has rolled out a fresh set of features aimed at making the journey easier for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. According to Gulf News, the update broadens the app well beyond booking, adding spiritual, navigational and health tools alongside a new offline mode that lets pilgrims use core functions without mobile data or Wi-Fi.

What the update adds

The new release brings several tools built around the daily needs of pilgrims. These include a tasbih counter for keeping track of remembrance, a Hisnul Muslim guide of daily prayers and supplications, and Qur'anic recitations from the Haramain. The app also offers awareness cards, interactive maps, and an events and activities calendar, along with access to historical and cultural destinations for visitors spending extra time in the kingdom.

The health services section has been upgraded to give pilgrims easier access to essential medical information. On the logistics side, the platform now lets approved service providers showcase their offerings electronically, making it simpler for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to find accommodation, transport and other services in one place.

Offline access and scale

One of the most practical additions is a zero-data access feature. According to the reports, this allows pilgrims to use the Nusuk app without consuming mobile data or needing a Wi-Fi connection. For visitors on international roaming, or those moving through crowded areas with patchy signal, offline access to maps, guidance and key services can remove a common source of stress during the rites.

The app has grown quickly. It now serves pilgrims from more than 100 countries, supports around 10 languages, and offers over 120 services covering visas, permits, bookings and guidance. That scale reflects Saudi Arabia's push to consolidate the pilgrim journey onto a single digital platform under the Pilgrim Experience Programme.

Part of a digital-first pilgrimage

The update continues a steady expansion of Nusuk's role. In recent seasons the platform has become the main route for booking Umrah packages, securing permits for the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque, and accessing official guidance. Access to the Rawdah Al Sharifah is now controlled through digital permits issued via the platform, part of a wider effort to manage crowds and protect the space.

By adding spiritual content, navigation and offline capability, the ministry is positioning Nusuk as a companion for the whole trip rather than a booking tool alone. Pilgrims are increasingly expected to arrive with the app already set up, their permits stored, and key guidance downloaded before they reach the holy cities.

Practical tips for using the app

  • Install and set up before departure. Register, verify your account and store your permits while you still have a stable connection at home.
  • Enable offline access. Take advantage of the zero-data feature so maps and guidance remain available if your signal drops in crowded areas.
  • Download spiritual content in advance. Load the supplications, Hisnul Muslim guide and recitations you expect to use so they are ready during the rites.
  • Check the health section. Familiarise yourself with the medical information and know how to reach services before you need them.
  • Keep permits accessible. Confirm your Rawdah and other digital permits are saved in the app, as access to some areas is granted only through them.