Saudi Arabia: 11.7 million pilgrims perform Umrah in record-breaking month of Rabi Al Thani

Surge in numbers reflects Kingdom’s enhanced digital services, growing accessibility

Last updated: October 29, 2025 | 05:42

Khitam Al Amir

1 MIN READ

The report shows that over 1.5 million of the pilgrims came from outside the Kingdom.

General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques

Dubai: More than 11.7 million worshippers performed Umrah during the Hijri month of Rabi Al Thani, marking one of the highest monthly figures recorded to date, according to new data released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

The report shows that over 1.5 million of the pilgrims came from outside the Kingdom.

Officials said the rise reflects the success of streamlined digital systems and integrated logistical services that have made travel and ritual performance easier, smoother, safer, and more reassuring experience for the worshipers.

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The increase forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation ecosystem in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques and ensure a spiritually enriching experience for Muslims worldwide.

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, together with the General Authority, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing joint initiatives that improve the quality of services throughout every stage of the pilgrims’ journey.

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They also continue to develop new digital and operational systems designed to further elevate the experience of worshippers from the moment they plan their visit to their safe return home.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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