A pioneering step towards facilitating religious rites
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and facilitate the performance of rituals, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the interactive “Umrah and Visit Guide,” available in 16 international languages. This unique initiative aims to enable pilgrims and visitors from around the world to access guidance and organizational information in their native languages, directly contributing to raising their awareness and facilitating their spiritual journey to perform the rituals with ease and peace of mind.
Historical context and ongoing efforts
This step comes as a continuation of the long-standing care and service that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Over the decades, the services offered to pilgrims and Umrah performers have developed significantly, from basic facilities to a comprehensive infrastructure and a sophisticated digital services system. The launch of this multilingual digital guide reflects a qualitative shift in the Ministry's strategy, which aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aimed at welcoming larger numbers of pilgrims and providing them with exceptional services by employing the latest technologies to ensure a safe and convenient journey.
Comprehensive content and interactive design
This guide is designed as an interactive educational resource covering all stages of the Umrah and visit journey. It begins with the pilgrim and visitor from the initial travel preparation stage, through the visa and permit application process, and then moves on to a detailed explanation of how to perform the rituals, including instructions for Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and the proper etiquette for visiting the Two Holy Mosques. The guide employs a chronological approach to information, allowing users quick access to content related to each stage of their journey. It is further enhanced with visual elements and digital links that facilitate access to interactive maps, educational videos, and support services available within the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
Importance and expected impact
The launch of the “Umrah and Visit Guide” is of paramount importance on several levels. Internationally , the guide breaks down the language barrier that many non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims faced, enhancing their ability to understand instructions and perform rituals correctly and independently, and reducing the likelihood of common mistakes. Regionally , this initiative reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a leader in the Islamic world and a pioneer in crowd management and the provision of religious services according to the highest international standards. Locally , the guide supports the digital transformation of government services, improves the quality of services provided, and contributes to a comprehensive spiritual experience for pilgrims, reflecting the Kingdom’s civilized image and its commitment to serving Islam and Muslims.
