12 hours ago
Saudi Arabia's investments transform pilgrimage experience for millions
Saudi Arabia has made remarkable and unprecedented investments over the years in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites like Arafat and Muzdalifah to provide a safer, more efficient, and spiritually enriching experience for worshippers performing Umrah and Hajj.
To enhance this experience, the Kingdom launched the Pilgrims Service Program in 2016 as part of the Vision 2030 reform plan. It aims to enable as many Muslims as possible to perform Hajj and Umrah in the best way, offering a profound and lasting spiritual experience through comprehensive arrangements at the holy sites.
It also seeks to embody Islam's universal message, improve tourist and cultural destinations, and provide exceptional services before, during, and after visits to Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites.
Over the years, Saudi Arabia has invested generously in the Two Holy Mosques and surrounding sites to enhance the pilgrim experience, especially as the Kingdom aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030.
The anticipated surge in Umrah pilgrims highlights the need to expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and preserve the holy sites — efforts requiring billions in government investment.
Advanced technologies are used during Hajj and Umrah to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and the overall pilgrim experience, aligning with Vision 2030's push to digitally transform religious services.
I extend my best wishes to the Saudi government for its outstanding efforts and exceptional services to pilgrims, praying it continues to receive Allah's blessings
One key innovation is the Nusuk smart card, which stores personal, medical, and residency information, facilitates access to services, and enables real-time pilgrim tracking.
AI and big data analytics aid crowd management through intelligent surveillance and predictive modeling to optimize movement, reduce congestion, and prevent stampedes. Drones monitor crowds and provide live aerial footage, boosting safety and situational awareness.
Additionally, the Nusuk platform allows pilgrims to book Umrah permits, accommodation, and transportation.
The Saudi government has also launched numerous expansion projects at the Two Holy Mosques, other holy sites, and airports.
For example, the Grand Mosque expansion in Makkah cost more than SR200 billion ($53.3 billion), while airports in Jeddah and Madinah exceeded SR100 billion. Road projects in Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah totaled SR68 billion, and the Jamarat facility cost about SR4 billion.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah and Madinah in 120 minutes. Spanning 450 km through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, it handles up to 60 million passengers annually and runs at speeds up to 300 km/h. With an investment of SR63 billion, it is the fastest train service in the Middle East and North Africa.
These investments reflect the Saudi government's strong commitment to Muslims worldwide and its leading role in the Islamic world.
It also strives to ensure pilgrims have a seamless, spiritually fulfilling experience — through initiatives starting before arrival and continuing until they return home safely.
The Saudi government's investments and facilities have greatly encouraged Muslims worldwide to perform Umrah and Hajj, resulting in a steady year-on-year increase in pilgrims.
According to the 2024 Saudi Vision Performance Report, the Kingdom reached a record 16.92 million Umrah pilgrims, surpassing the annual target of 11.3 million.
The General Authority for Statistics states that Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 95 million Hajj pilgrims in the past 50 years.
In closing, I extend my best wishes to the Saudi government for its outstanding efforts and exceptional services to pilgrims, praying it continues to receive Allah's blessings.
• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
