Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to make use of its digital Umrah and Visit Guide, now available in 16 languages. According to the Saudi Press Agency and Gulf News, the ministry has renewed its call for those planning Umrah and a visit to the Prophet's Mosque to consult the guide, which is published on the ministry website and is designed to walk pilgrims through every stage of the journey.

What the guide covers

The Umrah and Visit Guide is a step-by-step resource that begins with pre-travel preparations, including visa and permit requirements, and continues through the rites themselves. It explains how to enter the state of ihram, how to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, and how to complete Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. It also covers prayer in the two holy mosques, etiquette for visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and departure procedures.

The guide includes visual elements and digital links to maps, instructional videos, and support services. Alongside the ritual instructions, it provides organisational guidance, health and preventive advice, contact numbers, and information on the digital services pilgrims rely on during their stay. The ministry says the resource is available online through its official Guides section at haj.gov.sa.

Why 16 languages matter

Umrah draws Muslims from every corner of the world, many of whom do not speak Arabic. By translating the guide into 16 languages, the ministry aims to give pilgrims essential procedural and religious information in their own tongue. The stated goal is to reduce confusion, prevent avoidable mistakes in the rites, and help worshippers move through the two holy mosques with greater ease.

Clear guidance in a pilgrim's native language can make a real difference. Umrah involves a precise sequence of actions, and pilgrims unfamiliar with the layout of the mosques or the order of the rites can easily feel lost amid large crowds. A trusted, official reference reduces reliance on second-hand information and helps pilgrims worship with confidence.

Part of a wider digital push

The guide is one strand of a broader effort by Saudi authorities to digitise the pilgrimage experience. Pilgrims already book permits and services through the Nusuk platform, and the ministry has been steadily expanding the digital tools available before and during the journey. The multilingual guide complements these systems by giving pilgrims a single, authoritative reference for the religious and practical aspects of Umrah.

The initiative reflects the record numbers now performing Umrah. With demand at historic highs, clear information and orderly crowd management have become central to the ministry's planning. Well-informed pilgrims are easier to guide and less likely to obstruct the flow of worshippers around the Grand Mosque.

Practical tips for pilgrims

Pilgrims preparing for Umrah can get the most from the guide by using it before they travel rather than waiting until they arrive.

  • Read it before departure: study the sections on ihram and the rites in advance so the sequence is familiar on arrival.
  • Choose your language: select the version in the language you understand best to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Save it offline: download or note key sections in case of weak signal inside the crowded mosque areas.
  • Combine it with Nusuk: use the guide alongside the official Nusuk app for permits, bookings, and live updates.
  • Verify the source: access the guide only through the official ministry website to be sure the information is accurate and current.

The ministry continues to encourage pilgrims to follow official guidance throughout their journey and to seek help from authorised staff whenever they are unsure of a step.