Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Launches Direct Umrah Program

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unveiled the Direct Umrah Program, a new initiative designed to allow companies to serve pilgrims directly, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services without the need for intermediaries. This program aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by facilitating visits to historical sites connected to the life of the Prophet Muhammad and promoting the discovery of the Kingdom’s attractions.

In 2023, a record 13.5 million pilgrims performed Umrah, underscoring the need for enhanced service provisions. The Direct Umrah Program is part of a broader effort to support service providers and encourage companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization practices.

The ministry, in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program, an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, hosted the second Umrah organizations’ gathering in Makkah. The event was chaired by Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and focused on aligning with the ministry’s strategy to improve the Umrah experience and empower the private sector to offer year-round services.

The gathering addressed various challenges faced by service providers and proposed solutions to ensure the delivery of top-quality services. It introduced companies to new tools and performance monitoring indicators and discussed strategic directions for the upcoming Umrah season. Additionally, the meeting saw the launch of innovative services designed to streamline procedures and enforce commitment and compliance standards throughout the Umrah journey.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah remains committed to enhancing the Umrah experience, with a continued focus on welcoming an increasing number of pilgrims each year. The goal is to provide a rich, unique faith journey in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.