Saudi Arabia Enhances Umrah Pilgrim Support With 24/7 Multilingual Care Centre

Saudi Arabia Strengthens 24/7 Support for Umrah Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has expanded its focus on pilgrim support during the 2026 Umrah season, with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah highlighting the role of the Pilgrims Care Center as a round-the-clock communication and assistance service.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report published on 5 August 2026, the center is accessible through the unified hotline 1966 and provides support and guidance in more than 11 languages. The service handles inquiries, reports and feedback from pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.

For Muslims travelling from the UK for Umrah, the development is particularly relevant because international pilgrims may need reliable guidance after arriving in Saudi Arabia.

More Than 134,000 Calls Received During the Umrah Season

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that the center had received more than 134,000 calls since the beginning of the Umrah season, with an overall customer satisfaction rate of 91.45%.

The ministry also reported an average response time of approximately three seconds, highlighting the emphasis being placed on rapid communication with pilgrims.

The center operates through an integrated digital and operational system connected with field centers and relevant authorities. This allows requests to be directed toward appropriate services and channels.

The information was reported by SPA on 5 August 2026.

What Does the 1966 Umrah Support Service Provide?

The Pilgrims Care Center is designed to provide assistance throughout the pilgrim journey, from arrival through departure.

Its functions include:

• Answering pilgrim and visitor inquiries
• Providing guidance and information
• Receiving reports and feedback
• Handling service-related requests
• Directing beneficiaries to appropriate services
• Following up on reports
• Monitoring pilgrim satisfaction
• Providing multilingual assistance

The center is available 24 hours a day, making it an important support channel for international visitors who may require assistance outside normal business hours.

Why This Matters for UK Umrah Pilgrims

Travelling for Umrah involves more than booking a flight and hotel. Pilgrims need to understand their travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation, Saudi procedures and available support services.

For UK travellers, particularly first-time pilgrims, knowing where to seek official assistance can make the journey easier.

The availability of a multilingual support center means international pilgrims have an additional official channel if they encounter questions or need guidance while in Saudi Arabia.

However, pilgrims should continue to keep their booking documents, passport information, accommodation details, flight information and relevant travel documentation accessible throughout their journey.

How UK Travellers Can Prepare for Umrah

Before travelling from the UK, pilgrims should carefully review their complete Umrah arrangements.

A practical preparation checklist includes:

1. Confirm your Umrah travel documents before departure.
2. Keep your passport and important booking information secure.
3. Confirm flight and hotel details.
4. Understand your transportation arrangements between Makkah, Madinah and airports where applicable.
5. Keep contact details for your travel provider available.
6. Familiarise yourself with official Saudi pilgrimage services.
7. Save the official 1966 Pilgrims Care Center number for assistance during your Saudi journey.

UK pilgrims booking an Umrah package should also confirm exactly what is included in their package, particularly accommodation, transportation, visa-related assistance and flights.

Umrah Packages From the UK

For travellers searching for Umrah packages from the UK, professional planning can help reduce uncertainty before departure.

A suitable package may combine accommodation, flights, transportation and visa-related assistance according to the traveller's requirements. Pilgrims should compare the accommodation location, travel arrangements, package inclusions and overall itinerary before booking.

For customers travelling from cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford and other UK locations, selecting an appropriate package can make the pilgrimage journey more organised.

UmrahOne can assist UK travellers in exploring Umrah travel options and preparing for their pilgrimage journey.

Saudi Arabia Continues to Improve Pilgrim Services

The Pilgrims Care Center is part of Saudi Arabia's wider effort to improve the experience of pilgrims through technology, operational coordination and multilingual services.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the center is connected with field centers and relevant authorities to improve the processing of requests. It is also working on workflow automation, stronger coordination with partner entities and the COPC quality and continuous improvement standard.

These developments reflect the Kingdom's broader Pilgrim Experience Program and Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saudi Arabia's Umrah pilgrim support number?

The unified hotline for the Pilgrims Care Center is 1966.

Is the Pilgrims Care Center available 24 hours a day?

Yes. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says the center provides support around the clock.

How many languages does the center support?

The service provides assistance in more than 11 languages, according to the Saudi Press Agency's 5 August 2026 report.

How many calls has the center received during the Umrah season?

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported more than 134,000 calls since the start of the Umrah season referenced in its August 2026 update.

What was the reported response time?

The ministry reported an average response time of approximately three seconds during the Umrah season.

Can UK pilgrims use the service?

The center is intended for pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors in Saudi Arabia, including international visitors. UK pilgrims can use the official support channel when they require relevant assistance.

What should I check before booking an Umrah package from the UK?

Travellers should check the package's flights, hotel location, transportation, visa-related services, itinerary and terms before confirming a booking.