The Nusuk app has become the central digital tool for pilgrims performing Umrah, and its user base has grown sharply. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the platform surpassed 51 million users globally as of April 2026, up from 30 million in September 2025, with users in more than 190 countries. The app is no longer optional for many pilgrims, having become the official channel for booking Umrah permits and Rawdah appointments.
The growth tracks the wider digital shift in how Saudi Arabia manages the pilgrimage. For the current Umrah season, international pilgrims obtain permits through Nusuk after entering Makkah, making the app a routine part of the journey rather than an add-on.
Crowd Management Goes Digital
Nusuk now analyses real-time occupancy at the Grand Mosque and at Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Madinah. When crowd density is low, the platform automatically pushes eligibility alerts to users' phones, helping pilgrims time their visits. The interactive guide also features a live traffic-light system for the holy sites, with green, orange, and red indicators signalling real-time capacity at various gates of the Grand Mosque. Digital boards display the same information on site.
This approach is designed to spread visits more evenly across the day, easing congestion at peak times. For pilgrims, it means a better chance of a calmer experience, particularly when visiting the Rawdah, where access has long been managed through timed appointments.
Offline Access and a Smart Card
One notable addition is a zero-data access feature. It lets pilgrims use the Nusuk app without consuming mobile data or relying on Wi-Fi, so essential services such as permits, maps, and emergency contacts keep working even if roaming or data runs out. For pilgrims travelling from abroad, this reduces a common source of stress.
The platform has also introduced a Nusuk smart card that serves as a pilgrim's primary digital identity within the Kingdom, moving beyond simple digital documents. In addition, the health monitoring feature has been expanded to integrate with wearable health devices for pilgrims with medical conditions, giving an extra layer of support for those who need it.
Getting the Most From Nusuk
Pilgrims planning Umrah should prepare the app before travelling. Download Nusuk early and complete registration in advance, since setting up an account and verifying details is easier at home than on arrival. Keeping the app updated ensures access to the latest features and permit options.
Pilgrims should enable notifications so they receive eligibility alerts when crowd density is low, and check the traffic-light indicators before heading to the Grand Mosque or the Rawdah. Booking Rawdah appointments through the app ahead of time helps secure a slot, as availability is limited.
It is also wise to activate the offline access feature and confirm that permits, maps, and emergency contacts are available without a connection. Pilgrims should keep their phone charged and carry a power bank, since the app is now central to permits and navigation. Used well, Nusuk can simplify the logistics of Umrah and free pilgrims to focus on worship.