In 2024, the number of foreign pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia increased notably as over 18.5 million people attended the sacred Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. This marks an unprecedented religious tourism event. The rising interest of the global Muslim population in visiting the Kingdom for pilgrimages is also attributed to the strong momentum of such visits.
Recent up-gradation of services in the Holy Mosques has been key to this momentum, recording an impressive 13 million visitors to Al Rawdah Al Sharifah, one of the holiest places in Islam. The overall service improvement through better management for crowds, enhanced facilities, and modernization has made all these pilgrimages more accessible and comfortable for millions of people.
Saudi Arabia is determined to continue to provide the best services for Muslim pilgrims, investing in infrastructure for this purpose. The efforts by the Kingdom fall in line with its Vision 2030 goals, which intend to increase religious tourism while at the same time maintaining the sanctity and spiritual nature of the pilgrimage.
Indeed, 2024 witnessed millions of faithful from every corner of the globe thronging Mecca and Medina under the leadership of Saudi Arabia as it facilitated Muslims all over the world in pursuing their spiritual journeys.
