18.5 Million Pilgrims Complete the Hajj and Umrah in 2024 Thanks to Modernization Efforts
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that 18.5 million people undertook the Hajj and Umrah in 2024, an impressive figure that reflects the efforts made to increase accommodation capacity and improve infrastructure. These outcomes were made possible thanks to initiatives launched to develop airports, expand transportation networks, and implement technological systems and applications such as “TawakKalna” and “Nusuk.”
The efficient management of Umrah and Hajj seasons has been praised by international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and has highlighted advancements in the hospitality sector, particularly notable for the quality of accommodation and hospitality in the Islamic holy sites. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the hotel sector in Mecca recorded an 80% growth in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 1,000 licensed hotels and guest apartments.
Mecca now boasts more than 1,150 hospitality establishments and over 260,000 hotel rooms, in addition to more than 4,000 hotel apartments. The “HMH” group also announced the opening of 1,300 new hotel rooms this year. In Medina, the number of hospitality establishments reached 347 by the end of 2024, along with approximately 1,500 hotel apartments.
This strong performance of the hospitality sector in the holy sites aligns with the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen and diversify the tourism industry. As part of this framework, Saudi Arabia launched the “Doyof Al Rahman” program in 2016, aimed at enhancing the pilgrims’ experience by further developing infrastructure and optimizing the services offered to visitors undertaking Hajj and Umrah.
