MADINAH, Saudi Arabia — The third edition of the Umrah, Hajj, and Ziyarah Forum wrapped up here on April 7, 2026, capping off three days of discussions and exhibitions aimed at improving services for millions of Muslim pilgrims. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Madinah Region, the event drew international attention as a key platform for advancing Saudi Arabia's pilgrimage infrastructure. Officials hailed the forum as a milestone in enhancing the experience for what they call the 'Guests of Allah,' with participation from over 160 speakers, 150 exhibitors, and more than 50,000 visitors.
The closing ceremony, attended by Assistant Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Al-Hasan bin Yahya Al-Manakhra and Undersecretary Eng. Abdulmohsen Al-Salem, celebrated a range of accomplishments. According to organizers, the forum trained and qualified over 800 personnel dedicated to serving pilgrims, while spotlighting innovations in digital solutions and startup initiatives. The event underscored Saudi Arabia's ambitious push to modernize its religious tourism sector, which has seen a surge in visitors in recent years.
Dr. Ghassan bin Rashid Al-Nuwaimi, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, highlighted the scale of the accompanying exhibition during the closing remarks. 'The forum enhanced human resources efficiency through the participation of more than 160 speakers and trainers, who enriched 25 main sessions and 40 workshops, resulting in the training and qualification of more than 800 personnel serving the Guests of Allah,' Al-Nuwaimi said. He also noted that the exhibition spanned an area exceeding 11,000 square meters and featured contributions from over 150 exhibitors, both local and global companies.
The forum's focus on Umrah — the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca and Madinah that can be performed at any time of the year — comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is expanding its capacity to host worshippers. Unlike the annual Hajj, which is obligatory for able-bodied Muslims once in a lifetime and draws around two to three million people, Umrah has grown exponentially, with officials reporting service to more than 18 million performers in the recent period. This represents a 214% growth rate, coupled with a satisfaction rate exceeding 94%, according to ministry data presented at the event.
Technological advancements were a central theme, with the 'Nusuk' application cited as a prime example of digital innovation. The app, designed to streamline pilgrimage bookings and services, has reached 51 million users worldwide, organizers said. Additionally, the development of 87 historical and enriched sites was announced, aimed at providing deeper cultural and spiritual experiences for visitors to Madinah and surrounding areas.
The exhibition itself proved a major draw, attracting more than 50,000 visitors over the three days. Exhibitors showcased everything from logistical solutions to health and safety protocols tailored for mass gatherings in holy sites. This buildup of activity reflects broader efforts by the Saudi government to position the kingdom as a global leader in religious tourism, especially following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions that had curtailed pilgrimages for years.
In the sessions and workshops, experts from various countries discussed challenges like crowd management, sustainable practices, and integrating technology into traditional rituals. One workshop reportedly focused on AI-driven crowd flow analytics, while another explored eco-friendly transportation options for pilgrims arriving via air, sea, or land. These discussions, according to participants, fostered collaborations that could shape future policies for Hajj and Umrah operations.
The closing ceremony featured a series of awards to recognize contributions to the sector. Successful partners and winners in the technical innovation track received honors for their advanced digital solutions. Startups from the business accelerator program were also awarded, alongside recipients of the 'Umrah Communication Award' and distinctions for Umrah companies and external agents. 'These awards distribute to successful partners and winners in the technical innovation track in appreciation of their advanced digital solutions,' Al-Nuwaimi explained, emphasizing the event's role in unifying efforts across the ecosystem.
Background on the forum reveals it as part of a series initiated to address evolving needs in pilgrimage services. The first edition, held in previous years, laid the groundwork for public-private partnerships, while the second expanded on international involvement. This third outing, under Prince Salman's patronage, built on that momentum, bringing together decision-makers, service providers, and innovators from around the world. Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, serves as a natural hub for such gatherings, given its proximity to the Prophet's Mosque, a key site for Ziyarah or visitation pilgrimages.
Saudi Arabia's investments in this area are part of Vision 2030, the kingdom's diversification strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While Hajj remains a cornerstone of the economy, generating billions in revenue, Umrah has emerged as a year-round booster, supporting jobs in hospitality, transport, and tech. Officials at the forum pointed to the 18 million Umrah performers as evidence of success, though independent analysts have noted that exact figures can vary based on visa issuances and actual arrivals.
International perspectives were woven into the event, with speakers from Muslim-majority countries sharing best practices. For instance, one session reportedly addressed harmonizing health standards post-COVID, drawing on experiences from Indonesia and Pakistan, the largest sources of pilgrims. No major disagreements surfaced in the provided accounts, but the emphasis on Saudi-led innovations suggests a unified front in promoting the kingdom's model.
Looking ahead, the forum's outcomes are expected to influence upcoming Hajj preparations for 2027, with a focus on scalability. The ministry has indicated plans to further integrate the Nusuk platform and expand training programs. As global Muslim populations grow, particularly in Asia and Africa, demand for efficient pilgrimage services is projected to rise, potentially pushing Saudi capacities to new limits.
The event's success, as described by organizers, positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of what they term the 'evolving Hajj and Umrah ecosystem.' With awards handed out and partnerships solidified, the forum not only celebrated past achievements but also set a trajectory for future enhancements. Pilgrims, from first-timers to seasoned travelers, stand to benefit from these collaborative strides, ensuring a smoother journey to Islam's holiest sites.
In a region where religious tourism intersects with geopolitics, such forums also serve diplomatic purposes, fostering ties among Muslim nations. While the primary source material glows with optimism, the tangible metrics — from user numbers to satisfaction rates — provide a concrete backdrop to the narrative of progress. As the dust settles in Madinah, the ripple effects of these discussions will likely be felt in pilgrimage seasons to come.