The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Madinah Region branch, distributed more than 171,000 educational and guidance materials in November 2025 to serve visitors and Umrah performers during the Umrah season 1447 AH, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The initiative, conducted throughout key locations in Madinah, focused on providing pilgrims with clear, authoritative information on worship, conduct, and visitation, combining multilingual print resources with expanded digital access to ensure timely, accurate guidance.
Context and Background
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance oversees religious outreach, mosque affairs, and public guidance across the Kingdom. Madinah, home to the Prophet’s Mosque, welcomes large numbers of international visitors for Umrah and visitation each year, underscoring the importance of structured, reliable information to support an orderly and spiritually fulfilling experience.
As part of its ongoing service to pilgrims, the ministry’s Madinah branch prioritizes materials rooted in the Quran and Sunnah that clarify the etiquettes and rites of Hajj, Umrah, and visitation. By offering content in several languages, the ministry ensures that international pilgrims can access essential information in a form that is both culturally respectful and practical.
This coordinated effort during November 2025 reflects the Kingdom’s steady preparation for peak Umrah periods and its commitment to providing uniform, accurate guidance that supports pilgrims from arrival through departure.
Key Details
According to SPA, the ministry distributed 171,138 books and brochures in multiple languages, including widely requested supplications from the Quran and Sunnah and concise summaries of Hajj, Umrah, and visitation rites. The materials are designed for clarity and ease of use, ensuring that worshippers can consult them quickly in mosques, service centers, and other gathering points.
Complementing the printed resources, the ministry issued 20,322 cards with barcodes that provide direct access to a comprehensive digital library. The move supports pilgrims who prefer mobile access and enables rapid retrieval of authoritative texts, audio, and reference materials without physical constraints.
In addition, ministry staff delivered 11,509 direct guidance services, answering pilgrims’ questions at designated locations across the Madinah Region. These in-person interactions are integral to addressing individual needs, clarifying points of jurisprudence, and supporting non-Arabic speakers through multilingual assistance.
Implications and Impact
The scale and composition of the distribution underscore Saudi Arabia’s approach to pilgrim care: authoritative content, multilingual delivery, and a blend of printed and digital channels. This approach helps pilgrims perform their rites with confidence, reduces uncertainty, and strengthens the overall flow of visitation within the Holy Sites and surrounding areas.
Internationally, the initiative highlights the Kingdom’s readiness to accommodate diverse communities, reflecting an inclusive and service-oriented model. By making verified materials readily available, the ministry supports consistent religious understanding and helps ensure that guidance aligns with established scholarly sources.
The increased emphasis on digital access—through barcode cards linked to a curated library—also advances accessibility for younger visitors and for those who rely on smartphones while traveling. This adaptability enhances the pilgrim experience beyond physical distribution points, enabling continuous learning throughout the journey.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The initiative directly supports Vision 2030 through the Pilgrim Experience Program, which aims to enhance services for Hajj and Umrah visitors while expanding digital solutions in the public sector. By combining multilingual print outreach with a robust digital library, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance demonstrates a practical, people-centric model of service. As Umrah season 1447 AH progresses, these measures contribute to a safer, smoother, and more informed pilgrimage—reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a leader in delivering high-quality services to the world’s pilgrims.