Umrah and Ziyarah Forum Opens in Madinah with Global Participation

Madinah, Saudi Arabia — The second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum opened on Tuesday at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah, bringing together more than 100 countries and 100 speakers for a landmark gathering organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program. The opening ceremony was attended by Governor of Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who delivered an address emphasizing the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah and the ongoing development efforts that reflect their profound religious, cultural, and historical importance.

How does a single forum in Madinah reshape the experience of millions of pilgrims from every corner of the world? The event, which runs over several days, features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of multiple agreements between service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors. It represents a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to elevate the pilgrimage journey, combining tradition with innovation under the umbrella of Vision 2030.

Context and Background

Why has the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum become such a pivotal event on the global Islamic calendar? The forum builds on the success of its first edition, which was launched to address the growing number of Umrah performers and visitors from around the world. The second edition arrives as Saudi Arabia continues to expand capacity at the Two Holy Mosques and enhance services across the entire pilgrimage ecosystem. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program — one of the Vision 2030 realization programs — has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to streamline procedures and improve the quality of services for millions of worshippers.

The significance of Madinah as the host city cannot be overstated. As the second holiest city in Islam, it welcomes millions of Ziyarah (visitation) pilgrims each year who come to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque and explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders from across the globe to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will directly benefit pilgrims. It also underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Guests of God, a responsibility that Saudi leadership has consistently described as a top priority and a source of immense pride.

Over the years, Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure and technology to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. From the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah to the development of high-speed rail links and modern airport terminals, the Kingdom has transformed the pilgrimage experience. The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum serves as a showcase for these achievements and a catalyst for further innovation, bringing together government agencies, private sector companies, and international experts to collaborate on solutions that enhance comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment.

Key Details and Forum Highlights

What exactly will the more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions cover, and how will they impact the everyday pilgrim? According to official Saudi sources, the forum’s agenda includes discussions on a wide range of topics, from crowd management and digital services to hospitality standards and cultural sensitivity. The 100 speakers — drawn from government, academia, and the private sector — will lead sessions designed to generate actionable recommendations. The signing of multiple agreements between service providers is expected to result in tangible improvements, such as faster visa processing, better transportation options, and enhanced accommodation quality.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah underscored in his address that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership. He noted that over 122 million Umrah performers and visitors from across the globe were able to worship at the Two Holy Mosques with comfort and ease — a testament to the Kingdom’s robust infrastructure and meticulous planning. This figure reflects the successful implementation of various initiatives, including the expansion of the Umrah visa program, the introduction of online application platforms, and the development of new entry points for pilgrims.

The forum also provides an opportunity to highlight the role of technology in enhancing the pilgrimage experience. From smartphone apps that guide pilgrims through rituals to AI-powered crowd management systems, Saudi Arabia is leveraging cutting-edge solutions to ensure that worshippers can focus on their spiritual journey. The event includes an exhibition where companies showcase the latest products and services, ranging from smart bracelets to eco-friendly transportation options. These innovations not only improve the experience for pilgrims but also contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of the entire ecosystem.

International and Regional Impact

How will the outcomes of this forum resonate beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders? With participants from over 100 countries, the event has a truly global reach. Delegations from Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are attending, reflecting the universal nature of the Islamic pilgrimage. The agreements signed during the forum will facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims from these regions, many of whom save for years to undertake the journey. By engaging with international stakeholders, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a global leader in pilgrimage management and a bridge between cultures.

Regional cooperation is also a key theme. Neighboring Gulf countries and other Middle Eastern nations are participating actively, recognizing that the pilgrimage experience often involves multi-country itineraries. Improved coordination on visas, transportation, and health protocols will benefit not only pilgrims but also the broader travel and tourism industry. The forum thus serves as a model for international collaboration, demonstrating how countries can work together to serve a shared religious and cultural heritage.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic ripple effects can be expected from the continued growth of Umrah and Ziyarah? The pilgrimage sector is a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The government’s goal to welcome 30 million Umrah performers by 2030 — up from the current millions — requires massive investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and services. The forum plays a crucial role in attracting private sector investment by showcasing opportunities and facilitating partnerships. Companies specializing in construction, technology, food services, and retail are all poised to benefit from the expansion.

Strategically, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s soft power and its leadership in the Islamic world. By hosting such a prestigious event, the Kingdom demonstrates its capacity to manage large-scale religious tourism while also positioning itself as a hub for innovation and dialogue. The presence of high-level officials and international delegates underscores the trust that global partners place in Saudi Arabia’s vision and execution capabilities. This, in turn, supports the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the Kingdom’s global standing.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum directly contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030? The Pilgrim Experience Program is one of the Vision 2030 realization programs, designed to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims and to increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy. The forum aligns with this by fostering innovation, promoting public-private partnerships, and ensuring that the pilgrimage experience is seamless and spiritually enriching. It also supports the objective of attracting more international visitors, which in turn creates jobs and stimulates local economies in Makkah, Madinah, and beyond.

As the second edition of the forum unfolds, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is not only maintaining but elevating its historic role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites. The Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving the Guests of God, guided by the leadership’s vision, ensures that millions of worshippers will continue to find comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment. The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum stands as a testament to this dedication and a beacon of hope for pilgrims worldwide, promising a future where the journey of faith is as smooth as it is sacred.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum?

A1. The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is an international event organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program. It brings together experts and stakeholders to enhance the pilgrimage experience.

Q2. Where was the second edition of the forum held?

A2. The second edition was held at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, starting on April 15, 2025.

Q3. Who attended the opening ceremony?

A3. Governor of Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz attended the opening ceremony and delivered an address emphasizing the leadership’s attention to Makkah and Madinah.

Q4. How many countries are participating in the forum?

A4. The forum features broad international participation from over 100 countries, making it a truly global gathering of pilgrimage stakeholders.

Q5. How many workshops and dialogue sessions are included?

A5. The forum includes more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, covering a wide range of topics related to Umrah and Ziyarah services.

Q6. What did Minister Tawfig Al-Rabiah say about serving pilgrims?

A6. Minister Al-Rabiah underscored that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, noting that over 122 million Umrah performers and visitors worshipped with comfort and ease.

Q7. What is the Pilgrim Experience Program?

A7. The Pilgrim Experience Program is a Vision 2030 realization program aimed at enhancing the quality of services for pilgrims and increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

Q8. What agreements are being signed at the forum?

A8. Multiple agreements between relevant service providers are being signed, all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors.

Q9. How does the forum benefit international pilgrims?

A9. The forum facilitates smoother travel through improved visa processes, transportation, and accommodation, directly benefiting pilgrims from over 100 countries.

Q10. What role does technology play in the forum?

A10. Technology is a key focus, with discussions on digital services, AI crowd management, and smart apps that enhance the pilgrimage experience for worshippers.

Q11. Why is Madinah significant as the host city?

A11. Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, welcoming millions of Ziyarah pilgrims annually. Hosting the forum there highlights its religious and historical importance.

Q12. How many Umrah performers and visitors were mentioned by the minister?

A12. Minister Al-Rabiah noted that over 122 million Umrah performers and visitors were able to worship at the Two Holy Mosques with comfort and ease.

Q13. What is the economic impact of the pilgrimage sector?

A13. The pilgrimage sector is vital to Saudi Arabia’s economy, contributing to GDP and employment. The forum aims to attract investment and create jobs.

Q14. How does the forum align with Vision 2030?

A14. It aligns with Vision 2030 by enhancing pilgrim services, fostering public-private partnerships, and supporting the goal to welcome 30 million Umrah performers by 2030.

Q15. What topics are covered in the workshops?

A15. Workshops cover crowd management, digital services, hospitality standards, cultural sensitivity, and other topics aimed at improving the pilgrimage journey.

Q16. Who are the speakers at the forum?

A16. The 100 speakers are drawn from government, academia, and the private sector, bringing diverse expertise to the discussions.

Q17. What is the significance of the forum for Saudi Arabia’s global standing?

A17. The forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s soft power and leadership in the Islamic world, showcasing its capacity to manage large-scale religious tourism.

Q18. How many editions of the forum have been held?

A18. The second edition is currently being held, following the successful first edition that was launched to address the growing number of pilgrims.

Q19. What is the goal for Umrah performers by 2030?

A19. Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 30 million Umrah performers by 2030, up from current numbers, as part of Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.

Q20. What is the overall message of the forum?

A20. The forum conveys Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to serving the Guests of God, ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for millions worldwide.

Reader Feedback

We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.

Name *

Message *

Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.