Saudi Arabia has recorded a sharp rise in Umrah pilgrims at the start of the 1448 AH season, with 931,500 people entering the Kingdom on Umrah visas. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this marks a 22.5 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier. The figures point to strong early demand as the new season gets under way.
Where the pilgrims came from
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that Pakistan led all source countries with roughly 200,000 Umrah pilgrims. Indonesia followed with about 170,000, and Iraq came third with around 130,000. These three nations together accounted for a large share of the early-season arrivals.
Officials said the 931,500 Umrah-visa holders formed part of a wider movement of more than 1.27 million pilgrims who arrived from abroad during the same window. The count covered the period from the middle of Dhul Hijjah through the end of Muharram, the opening stretch of the Umrah calendar.
Travel patterns showed a clear preference for air travel. According to the Ministry, 75 percent of overseas Umrah pilgrims entered through airports, while the remaining 25 percent arrived by land and sea ports. The balance reflects the growing role of direct flights into Jeddah and Madinah for pilgrims from distant countries.
Why numbers are climbing
The Ministry attributed the growth to continued government support, closer coordination among the authorities that serve pilgrims, and steady improvements to digital and operational services. These upgrades fall under the Pilgrim Experience Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Much of the recent focus has been on digitisation. Pilgrims now book service packages and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform, which the Ministry has made central to managing crowd flow and appointments at the Grand Mosque. The system is designed to spread arrivals more evenly and reduce congestion during peak hours.
The Kingdom has also widened access through new visa options. A multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for a full year now allows eligible pilgrims to return several times within that window, though a fresh service package and permit remain required for each visit.
Digital tools reshape the journey
The surge in arrivals has coincided with a heavier reliance on technology at the holy sites. The Nusuk app now handles service bookings, Umrah permits, and appointments for prayer at the Rawdah al-Sharifah in Madinah. Authorities say the system lets them manage capacity in real time and steer pilgrims away from the most crowded moments.
The Grand Mosque has also expanded practical services to match demand. Mobile hair-cutting units have been placed in the courtyards to help worshippers complete the closing rite of Umrah safely, and dedicated routes have been set aside for elderly and disabled visitors. These measures aim to keep foot traffic moving even when the mosque is at its busiest.
What it means for pilgrims
Rising numbers underline the importance of planning ahead. Pilgrims traveling during busy periods should expect fuller mosques and longer waits, particularly around Friday prayers and in the final third of the night.
For those preparing for Umrah, a few practical steps can ease the journey. Book early through an approved Nusuk provider to secure preferred dates and accommodation close to the Haram. Confirm your permit in the Nusuk app before traveling, since entry to the Grand Mosque for Umrah depends on it. Choose quieter hours where possible, as authorities have noted that early mornings after Fajr and late nights tend to be less crowded. Keep documents ready, including a valid passport and proof of any required vaccinations.
With demand climbing well above last year, the season is on track to be one of the busiest in recent memory. Careful preparation remains the surest way to perform the rituals in calm and comfort.