Massive influx of 52 million pilgrims to Mecca and Medina during Saudi Arabia's Safar period
In the holy city of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant surge in the number of Umrah pilgrims during this season. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, more than 2.5 million international arrivals have been reported, marking a 38% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Among the pilgrims, a significant number, 4,000, are mu'takifs from 120 countries, living within the Prophet's Mosque in Medina as part of their religious duties. The Grand Mosque in Mecca has also welcomed 7.5 million people, who have offered prayers and greeted the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has implemented advanced sensor technology to measure the number of pilgrims and worshippers accurately. This technology, part of efforts to raise operational efficiency and ensure smooth movement for worshippers, has allowed for real-time monitoring of pilgrim flows and crowd management at key entry points.
The system installed at these points has enabled Saudi Arabia to expand its capacity to accommodate millions of worshippers. The Grand Mosque in Mecca received 21.4 million visitors during the month of Safar, while the Prophet's Mosque in Medina welcomed 20.6 million worshippers.
The majority of the Umrah pilgrims, more than 10 percent, are international arrivals. Of these, 1.7 million Umrah pilgrims were issued visas inside the Kingdom, accounting for approximately 68% of the total visitors. The Umrah season has also seen an increase in Umrah visas issued inside the Kingdom by 33% compared to the same period last year.
Saudi Arabia has also issued etiquette guidelines for visitors to the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, encouraging respectful and mindful behaviour during their visit. These guidelines aim to maintain the sanctity and peace of the holy site for all worshippers.
This year's Umrah season has been marked by robust growth, with the total number of Umrah visas granted increasing by 33% compared to the same period last year. With the continued efforts of the Saudi authorities and the cooperation of the pilgrims, the Umrah season promises to be a successful and spiritually enriching experience for all involved.
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