Record-Breaking 11.7 Million Pilgrims Perform Umrah in October

In a remarkable display of faith and devotion, a record-breaking 11.7 million pilgrims performed Umrah in October, setting a new all-time high for monthly pilgrim attendance. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the history of Islamic pilgrimage and underscores the tremendous progress made in facilitating the sacred journey for Muslims from around the world.

This record reflects not only the deep spiritual commitment of the global Muslim community but also the exceptional efforts of the Kingdom’s authorities and the private sector in enhancing the overall Umrah experience.

A New Era of Pilgrimage Management

The unprecedented number of pilgrims was made possible through modern infrastructure, advanced digital systems, and expanded visa facilities. These developments have transformed the Umrah experience, allowing millions to perform their rituals with ease and safety.

Authorities have implemented smart crowd management systems, upgraded transportation services, and introduced electronic Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform, enabling seamless coordination for visitors arriving from over 180 countries.

According to official data, the surge in pilgrim numbers was largely supported by the expansion of flight operations, the introduction of new travel packages, and the improved accessibility of e-visas.

Key Highlights of the October Record

• Total Pilgrims: 11.7 million
• Record Month: October 2025
• Top Nationalities: Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Turkey
• Average Stay: 10–15 days
• Key Locations Visited: Makkah, Madinah, and historical Islamic sites

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah noted that the figure includes both international and local pilgrims, many of whom traveled under the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at welcoming 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually in the coming years.

Enhanced Facilities for a Seamless Experience

The historic increase in Umrah pilgrims is attributed to massive improvements in transport, accommodation, and service delivery. New hotel developments around the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) have provided thousands of additional rooms for visitors.

In addition, the expansion of public transport networks, including the Haramain High-Speed Railway, has significantly reduced travel time between Makkah and Madinah. These improvements are complemented by an integrated digital system for real-time monitoring, health support, and crowd flow management.

Statements from Officials and Observers

A senior official from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated:

“The achievement of 11.7 million Umrah pilgrims in one month reflects our dedication to serving the Guests of Allah. We continue to enhance services, infrastructure, and accessibility to ensure every pilgrim enjoys a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling journey.”

Religious scholars and travel industry experts have hailed this record as a testament to the unity of the Muslim Ummah and a symbol of resilience and revival in the post-pandemic era.

Global Pilgrim Participation and Diversity

The record-breaking month saw pilgrims arriving from all corners of the world, with a notable rise from South and Southeast Asian countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and India.

Travel operators in these regions reported unprecedented demand for Umrah packages, driven by the easing of travel restrictions, competitive pricing, and improved visa processing.

To accommodate this surge, Saudi airports—especially Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport—handled record passenger volumes, with smooth arrivals and departures ensured through enhanced customs and immigration facilities.

The Role of Technology in Streamlining the Process

Digital transformation has been a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s strategy to modernize pilgrimage management. The Nusuk app has revolutionized the way pilgrims plan and perform Umrah by offering:

• Easy e-visa applications
• Booking of accommodations and transportation
• Scheduling for entry into the Two Holy Mosques
• Real-time guidance and support in multiple languages

This innovation-driven approach not only simplifies the process for pilgrims but also enables authorities to ensure efficient crowd control and safety compliance.

Economic and Social Impact

The influx of 11.7 million Umrah pilgrims in one month has also provided a major boost to Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The surge generated significant economic activity across airlines, hotels, restaurants, and local transport services.

Analysts predict that this momentum will further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim to diversify the economy and make religious tourism a central pillar of growth.

According to reports, Umrah and Hajj services contribute billions of dollars annually, supporting thousands of jobs and fostering small business growth in the holy cities.

Looking Ahead: Vision 2030 and Future Goals

With the October record now established, Saudi Arabia continues to push forward with ambitious plans to accommodate even more pilgrims in the years ahead. The Vision 2030 blueprint envisions a holistic transformation of the pilgrimage experience—expanding facilities, improving sustainability, and promoting cultural and spiritual tourism.

Upcoming initiatives include:

• Expansion of the Grand Mosque and surrounding infrastructure
• Introduction of smart wearable devices for health monitoring
• Enhanced women and family-friendly facilities
• Sustainable transport systems and eco-friendly pilgrimage programs

These efforts align with the Kingdom’s broader commitment to serving the Guests of Allah with compassion, efficiency, and innovation.

The record-breaking 11.7 million Umrah pilgrims in October stands as a proud testament to faith, unity, and progress. It symbolizes how modern innovation and timeless devotion can come together to create an extraordinary spiritual experience.

As the world witnesses this historic moment, the milestone serves as a reminder that the journey of Umrah—rooted in faith and renewed through modern transformation—continues to inspire millions across the globe.