Saudi Arabia hosted nearly 20 million foreign pilgrims during 2025, marking one of the largest annual inflows of Hajj and Umrah visitors in the country’s history. The figures reflect the Kingdom’s continued efforts to improve pilgrimage services and manage growing global demand.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the National Center for Performance Measurement of Government Agencies, known as Ada’a, confirmed that 19.5 million foreign pilgrims and Umrah performers visited the Kingdom during the year. The data covers visitors arriving from outside Saudi Arabia for religious purposes.
Strong Growth in Religious Tourism
The large number of pilgrims highlights the expanding scale of Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector. Every year, Muslims from across the world travel to Makkah and Madinah to perform Hajj or Umrah. While Hajj takes place during a fixed period, Umrah can be performed throughout the year.
In recent years, Saudi authorities have invested heavily in infrastructure, digital systems, and crowd management. These efforts aim to accommodate more visitors while ensuring safety and comfort. The 2025 figures suggest that these measures are delivering results.
Saudi Arabia’s long-term development strategy, Vision 2030, places strong emphasis on improving services for pilgrims. One of its goals is to increase the number of Umrah visitors annually. The Kingdom has already eased visa rules and expanded airport capacity to support this objective.
High Satisfaction Rates Reported
Beyond visitor numbers, the report highlights high satisfaction levels among pilgrims. According to Ada’a, overall satisfaction with services provided to visitors exceeded 90 percent during 2025.
The report states that pilgrims visiting under the Pilgrim Service Program expressed strong approval of the facilities and support offered. Satisfaction among Hajj pilgrims reached 91 percent, while Umrah performers recorded a higher rate of 94 percent.
These ratings cover a wide range of services. They include transport, accommodation, health care, guidance services, and digital platforms. High satisfaction levels suggest that pilgrims experienced fewer logistical difficulties compared to previous years.
Coordinated Efforts Across Government Bodies
The report credits these outcomes to effective planning and coordinated execution. More than 60 government agencies and institutions worked together to deliver integrated services to pilgrims.
Such coordination is critical during peak seasons. Millions of people gather in limited areas within short periods. Managing this scale requires strong communication between security forces, health authorities, transport agencies, and religious institutions.
Digital tools also played a growing role. Mobile applications helped pilgrims with navigation, scheduling, and emergency support. These tools reduced congestion and improved response times.
Global Significance of the Pilgrimage
Hajj and Umrah are among the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. Pilgrims arrive from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This diversity adds logistical complexity but also global significance.
Saudi Arabia’s ability to host nearly 20 million foreign pilgrims in a single year reinforces its central role in the Muslim world. It also reflects rising international confidence in the Kingdom’s capacity to manage large-scale events.
Health and safety remain key concerns. Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shape planning. Authorities now place greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and real-time monitoring.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 figures signal continued momentum in Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage services. High satisfaction rates indicate progress, but expectations will keep rising. As global travel increases, demand for Hajj and Umrah is likely to grow further.
For Saudi Arabia, the challenge will be to maintain service quality while hosting even larger numbers. The latest report suggests that, for now, the Kingdom is moving in the right direction.
