October 16, 2026
11:52 PM
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Launches the Fourth Edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, launched today the fourth edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, in the presence of several officials, representatives of Umrah companies, service providers, and sector partners.
In his speech during the ceremony, His Excellency emphasized that the forum comes as an extension of the gracious care bestowed upon serving the Guests of Allah by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may Allah protect them. The forum is held annually under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region.
His Excellency explained that across its previous editions, the forum has established its position as a global platform uniting Umrah companies, service providers, and partners from within and outside the Kingdom to build partnerships and contribute to developing solutions and innovations that enrich the experience of the Umrah pilgrim and visitor.
His Excellency noted that the forum achieved growth exceeding 157% in the number of registrants between 2024 and 2026. Its previous edition witnessed the participation of 138 companies and the signing of more than 5,000 agreements.
His Excellency pointed out that the fourth edition aims for the participation of more than 200 companies—a growth of nearly 45%—alongside broader local and international attendance, serving as a new milestone for building partnerships and translating opportunities into a tangible impact felt by the Guests of Allah.
His Excellency commended the integration of efforts across all participating entities and their contribution to the forum's growth and enhanced impact, expressing his anticipation of continuing these partnerships and expanding their footprint during the upcoming edition.
In the same context, the ceremony witnessed the launch of the "Excellence Award for Services Provided to the Guests of Allah," which aims to elevate the quality of services delivered to Umrah pilgrims and foster positive competition and innovation among companies. The award encompasses five tracks: Transportation and Aviation, Hotel Services, Enriching Destinations, Souvenirs and Gifts, and Catering. Winners will be honored during the fourth edition of the forum.
The forum has demonstrated continuous growth over the past three years, with the number of registrants in its previous edition exceeding 49,000, compared to over 19,000 at its inception in 2024. The exhibition area expanded to 11,000 square meters, featuring 174 speakers in its sessions, thereby reinforcing its role in advancing the Umrah and Ziyarah service ecosystem and supporting the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program—one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030—to elevate the experience of the Umrah pilgrim and visitor.
In his speech during the ceremony, His Excellency emphasized that the forum comes as an extension of the gracious care bestowed upon serving the Guests of Allah by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may Allah protect them. The forum is held annually under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region.
His Excellency explained that across its previous editions, the forum has established its position as a global platform uniting Umrah companies, service providers, and partners from within and outside the Kingdom to build partnerships and contribute to developing solutions and innovations that enrich the experience of the Umrah pilgrim and visitor.
His Excellency noted that the forum achieved growth exceeding 157% in the number of registrants between 2024 and 2026. Its previous edition witnessed the participation of 138 companies and the signing of more than 5,000 agreements.
His Excellency pointed out that the fourth edition aims for the participation of more than 200 companies—a growth of nearly 45%—alongside broader local and international attendance, serving as a new milestone for building partnerships and translating opportunities into a tangible impact felt by the Guests of Allah.
His Excellency commended the integration of efforts across all participating entities and their contribution to the forum's growth and enhanced impact, expressing his anticipation of continuing these partnerships and expanding their footprint during the upcoming edition.
In the same context, the ceremony witnessed the launch of the "Excellence Award for Services Provided to the Guests of Allah," which aims to elevate the quality of services delivered to Umrah pilgrims and foster positive competition and innovation among companies. The award encompasses five tracks: Transportation and Aviation, Hotel Services, Enriching Destinations, Souvenirs and Gifts, and Catering. Winners will be honored during the fourth edition of the forum.
The forum has demonstrated continuous growth over the past three years, with the number of registrants in its previous edition exceeding 49,000, compared to over 19,000 at its inception in 2024. The exhibition area expanded to 11,000 square meters, featuring 174 speakers in its sessions, thereby reinforcing its role in advancing the Umrah and Ziyarah service ecosystem and supporting the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program—one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030—to elevate the experience of the Umrah pilgrim and visitor.
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Category
General
Publication date
21 September 2026
