The third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, a key event for Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage services sector, has concluded in Madinah. Hosted under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the forum showcased the Kingdom’s significant advancements in integrating technology and fostering innovation to enhance the pilgrim experience, signaling new opportunities for startups and tech providers in the burgeoning “HajjTech” ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- Over 50,000 visitors attended the forum’s exhibition
- The “Nusuk” app has reached 51 million users globally
- More than 18 million Umrah performers were served, a 214% increase
- 800 personnel were trained through 40 specialized workshops
A Global Stage in Madinah
The forum solidified its position as a major industry gathering, drawing a massive turnout that highlights the scale of the Umrah and Ziyarah market. The accompanying exhibition spanned over 11,000 square meters and featured more than 150 local and international companies, providing a platform for collaboration and deal-making. The event’s success, with over 50,000 visitors, underscores the global interest in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its pilgrimage services.
Scaling Digital Services and Human Capital
A central theme of the forum was the dual focus on technology and talent. The event’s sessions, led by 160 speakers and trainers, resulted in the upskilling of over 800 personnel directly involved in serving pilgrims.
This focus on human resources is complemented by the rapid adoption of digital tools. Officials confirmed that the “Nusuk” application, a digital gateway for planning and booking trips, has achieved a global user base of 51 million. These efforts contributed to a pilgrim satisfaction rate exceeding 94% and the development of 87 historical and cultural sites to enrich the visitor journey.
Fostering an Innovation Ecosystem
Recognizing the role of new ventures in the sector’s evolution, the closing ceremony celebrated innovators and entrepreneurs. Awards were distributed to winners in a technical innovation track for their advanced digital solutions.
The ceremony also honored distinguished startups from a dedicated business accelerator, alongside winners of the “Umrah Communication Award.” This public recognition of startups and tech partners by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah signals a clear push to cultivate a competitive and tech-driven ecosystem around religious tourism.
About The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is an annual event held in Saudi Arabia that brings together international experts, decision-makers, innovators, and service providers from the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. Its primary goal is to enhance the pilgrim experience through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of new technologies, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for religious tourism.
Source: Zawya
