In an achievement reflecting the radical transformation of the services sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, historic milestones were set in serving pilgrims during 2025, with the country welcoming 19.5 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from around the world. These figures were not limited to numbers alone, but also extended to the quality of the experience, with satisfaction rates exceeding 90%. This represents a testament to the success of the Pilgrim Service Program, a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
A historic honor and a renewed responsibility
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve the Two Holy Mosques and care for their visitors. Over the decades, this service has evolved from traditional efforts into a comprehensive institutional system that keeps pace with the increasing numbers of pilgrims and Umrah performers. This latest achievement represents a continuation of this historical legacy, while simultaneously highlighting the qualitative leap brought about by the Kingdom's ambitious vision, which aims to transform the Hajj and Umrah journey into a seamless, accessible, and safe spiritual experience.
Vision 2030: The Engine of Comprehensive Development
This success is a direct result of strategic planning and meticulous implementation of the goals of Vision 2030. The Guests of God Service Program coordinated the efforts of more than 60 governmental, private, and non-profit entities, uniting them towards a common goal: enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience. These efforts included developing infrastructure, such as expanding airports and launching modern transportation networks like the Haramain High-Speed Railway, in addition to the complete digital transformation of arrival and ritual procedures through platforms like “Nusk.” This has contributed to reducing waiting times and facilitating the pilgrims' journey from the moment they consider visiting until their safe return home.
Local and global impact of the achievement
The impact of this achievement extends beyond the local level, leaving a positive mark regionally and internationally. Locally, this success reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading religious destination and stimulates economic sectors linked to Hajj and Umrah, such as hospitality, transportation, and logistics. Internationally, it solidifies the Kingdom's image as a nation capable of efficiently and effectively managing the world's largest human gatherings, setting a benchmark for crowd management and the provision of integrated services, thus enhancing its soft power and standing in the Islamic world.
Integrating efforts and enriching the cultural experience
These record-breaking figures would not have been possible without concerted efforts at all levels. The 2025 Hajj season witnessed widespread community participation, with over 184,000 volunteers contributing support, guidance, and humanitarian services, embodying the highest values of giving that characterize Saudi society. Alongside facilitating the performance of rituals, efforts extended to enriching the religious and cultural experience for visitors by developing and rehabilitating 18 historical and Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah, giving pilgrims the opportunity to learn about the legacy of the Prophet's life and the rich history of Islam.
What has been achieved is the fruit of the unlimited support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the diligent follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who give the service of the guests of God the highest priority, and emphasize harnessing all capabilities to ensure their comfort and safety.
