Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Holds Second Gathering of Umrah Institutions

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030, organized the second gathering of Umrah organizations at its headquarters in Makkah on August 20, 2024. The event, held under the patronage and attendance of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the Umrah experience and empowering the private sector to provide services year-round. The gathering reviewed challenges and solutions, introduced developed tools and indicators, and launched innovative services, including the “Direct Umrah Program,” which aims to enable companies and institutions to serve pilgrims directly without intermediaries.

Context and Background

The second gathering of Umrah institutions and companies builds on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s ongoing efforts to improve the pilgrimage experience. It aligns with the ministry’s strategy to develop and enhance the Umrah journey, empower the private sector, and facilitate procedures while ensuring compliance with quality standards. This initiative is part of the broader Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims while showcasing the Kingdom’s historical and religious sites.

The meeting also comes in the wake of a record-breaking year, with 13.5 million pilgrims performing Umrah in 2023. This achievement underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to accommodating an increasing number of visitors annually, in line with Vision 2030 goals.

Key Details

During the gathering, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the “Direct Umrah Program,” designed to enable Umrah companies and institutions to serve pilgrims directly, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring high-quality services. The program aims to create a lasting positive impression by facilitating visits to historical sites associated with the Prophet’s biography and promoting discovery of the Kingdom’s attractions.

The meeting also reviewed strategic directions for the Umrah season of 1446 AH, discussing main pillars and targets. It introduced companies and institutions to developed tools and indicators to monitor their work, ensuring adherence to commitment and compliance standards throughout the pilgrims’ journey. The gathering highlighted the importance of empowering service providers and motivating companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization models.

Implications and Impact

The launch of the Direct Umrah Program is expected to significantly enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims by streamlining processes and fostering competition among service providers. This initiative not only improves the pilgrim experience but also supports the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts by boosting tourism and creating opportunities for private sector growth. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a leading global destination for religious and cultural tourism.

Moreover, the gathering underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international engagement and its role as a custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. By continuously improving the Umrah experience, the Kingdom reinforces its dedication to serving pilgrims from around the world, promoting interfaith understanding, and showcasing its rich heritage.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The second gathering of Umrah institutions and companies exemplifies Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for tourism and enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors. Through initiatives like the Direct Umrah Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, Saudi Arabia is not only elevating the spiritual journey of millions but also driving economic growth and cultural exchange. As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure and services, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide unparalleled experiences for pilgrims, reflecting its leadership and commitment to Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the second gathering of Umrah organizations?

A1. The gathering aimed to discuss strategies for improving the Umrah experience, empower the private sector, and launch innovative services like the Direct Umrah Program to enhance pilgrim services and compliance with quality standards.

Q2. Who organized the second gathering of Umrah institutions and companies?

A2. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), organized the event.

Q3. Where was the gathering held?

A3. The gathering took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Makkah.

Q4. Who attended the gathering?

A4. The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, attended the gathering under his patronage, along with representatives from Umrah companies and institutions.

Q5. What is the Direct Umrah Program?

A5. The Direct Umrah Program enables Umrah companies and institutions to serve pilgrims directly without intermediaries, ensuring high-quality services and enhancing the pilgrim experience.

Q6. How many pilgrims performed Umrah in 2023?

A6. A historic number of 13.5 million pilgrims performed Umrah in 2023.

Q7. What are the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program?

A7. The Pilgrim Experience Program aims to enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims, improve services, and showcase the Kingdom’s historical and religious sites as part of Vision 2030.

Q8. What does the ministry aim to achieve by empowering the private sector?

A8. By empowering the private sector, the ministry seeks to provide Umrah services year-round, facilitate procedures, and ensure adherence to quality and compliance standards.

Q9. What innovative services were launched at the gathering?

A9. The gathering launched the Direct Umrah Program and introduced developed tools and indicators to follow up on the work of companies and institutions.

Q10. How does the Direct Umrah Program benefit pilgrims?

A10. It provides direct access to services, eliminates intermediaries, and contributes to a positive impression by facilitating visits to historical sites and discovering the Kingdom’s landmarks.

Q11. What were the strategic directions discussed for the Umrah season of 1446 AH?

A11. The gathering discussed main pillars and targets for the Umrah season, focusing on enhancing services and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q12. How does the gathering support Saudi Vision 2030?

A12. It aligns with Vision 2030 by improving the pilgrim experience, boosting economic growth, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global tourism destination.

Q13. What is the role of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in enhancing the Umrah experience?

A13. The ministry develops strategies, empowers the private sector, facilitates procedures, and ensures compliance with quality standards to enrich the pilgrim experience.

Q14. What challenges were reviewed at the gathering?

A14. The gathering reviewed major challenges and solutions to ensure the best services and adherence to the highest quality standards for pilgrims.

Q15. How does the Direct Umrah Program motivate companies?

A15. It motivates companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization models, enhancing their services and competitiveness.

Q16. What is the significance of the record number of pilgrims in 2023?

A16. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s capability to accommodate a large number of pilgrims and reflects the success of its efforts to improve services and infrastructure.

Q17. What tools were introduced to follow up on companies’ work?

A17. Developed tools and indicators were introduced to monitor companies’ performance and ensure compliance with standards during the pilgrims’ journey.

Q18. How does the gathering promote international engagement?

A18. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving pilgrims globally, promoting interfaith understanding, and highlighting its role as a custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Q19. What are the main pillars for the Umrah season of 1446 AH?

A19. The main pillars focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience, empowering service providers, and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q20. How does the ministry plan to receive the largest number of pilgrims annually?

A20. Through continuous improvement of services, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives like the Direct Umrah Program, aligned with Vision 2030 goals.

---