Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest cities of Makkah and Madinah, is undergoing significant reforms to enhance its religious tourism sector. As part of the Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy, the Kingdom is streamlining visa processes, expanding infrastructure, and improving services to provide a more inclusive pilgrimage experience. With millions of Muslims visiting annually for Hajj and Umrah, these changes mark a new era for pilgrims.
Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic diversification plan, aims to transform the pilgrimage experience and attract 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030, up from 19 million in 2019. The government has launched several initiatives to support this goal. The Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah are being expanded to accommodate more pilgrims. A new streamlined e-visa system enables Muslims worldwide to apply for Umrah visas online, while tourist visas have been introduced for non-religious travel. Additionally, increased Hajj quotas are allowing more Muslims from diverse countries to participate in Hajj.
The Umrah+ programme encourages Umrah pilgrims to explore other parts of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the broader tourism goals of Vision 2030. The Pilgrim Experience Programme focuses on enhancing the pilgrimage experience by improving transportation networks, simplifying visa procedures, and developing smart applications for logistical support.
The Hajj pilgrimage, held annually in the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims. It involves a series of rituals, such as Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and a day-long vigil on the plains of Arafat. Managing the influx of millions of worshippers requires meticulous organisation, and the Saudi government plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Unlike Hajj, the Umrah pilgrimage can be performed at any time of the year. Although it involves fewer rituals, it remains a significant journey for Muslims globally. Umrah includes Tawaf and Sa’i, with pilgrims often extending their visit to Madinah.
Makkah, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and home to the Kaaba, remains the most sacred city for Muslims. The Grand Mosque, or Masjid al-Haram, serves as the focal point for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. However, non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Makkah, maintaining the city’s sanctity. Madinah, where Prophet Muhammad migrated and was buried, is the second holiest city in Islam. The Prophet’s Mosque, or Masjid al-Nabawi, is a key pilgrimage site for Muslims performing Hajj and Umrah. Unlike Makkah, Madinah is open to non-Muslims, allowing them to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia has developed an extensive infrastructure network to accommodate and facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims. King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah handle most of the pilgrim traffic, supported by the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which connects Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. An extensive road network, supported by buses, facilitates movement between pilgrimage sites. Within Makkah itself, a highly efficient metro system has been in place for several years, facilitating movement.
Managing millions of pilgrims still remains a logistical challenge, and public health concerns are paramount, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19. Reducing the environmental footprint of mass tourism is also a pressing issue. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities. Integrating cultural tourism with religious tourism can promote other parts of Saudi Arabia, while technological advancements like data analytics and smart apps can enhance the pilgrim experience. The private sector’s involvement in accommodation, transport, and support services can also contribute to growth.
Saudi Arabia aims to increase its annual Umrah pilgrim count to 30 million by 2030 and expand Hajj capacity to over three million. Achieving these ambitious targets requires significant investment in infrastructure and services but presents tremendous economic potential.
Accommodation is a crucial part of the pilgrimage experience, and the Accor group has the largest presence of any international operator in the Holy Cities. The group offers a diverse range of accommodation options across 13 properties, including Swissôtel Makkah, Raffles Makkah Palace, Pullman ZamZam Makkah, Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel. In 2023, the Mercure Makkah Al Aziziya was introduced, followed by the upcoming Fairmont Rua Madinah and Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah – MGallery Collection, both set to debut in 2027.
Religious tourism remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s identity and economy. With the modernisation efforts under Vision 2030 and continued investment in infrastructure and services, the pilgrimage experience is set to improve, attracting even greater numbers of pilgrims. This creates exciting opportunities for travel advisors, service providers, and the broader tourism industry to contribute to and benefit from Saudi Arabia’s dynamic religious tourism sector.
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Photo top of page and clock tower: Ekrem Osmano/Unsplash
