Saudi Ministry Unveils Direct Umrah Program To Boost Pilgrim Experience

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), recently held the second gathering of Umrah organisations at its Makkah headquarters. The event was attended by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. This meeting aligns with the ministry's strategy to enhance the Umrah experience and empower the private sector to offer year-round services.

During the meeting, strategic directions for the Umrah season of 1446 AH were discussed. The focus was on key pillars and targets to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims. Innovative services were also introduced to improve service quality and efficiency.

The "Direct Umrah Program" was announced at the meeting. This initiative allows Umrah companies to serve pilgrims directly, eliminating intermediaries. The program aims to enhance pilgrims' experiences by enabling visits to historical sites linked to the Prophet's biography and exploring Saudi Arabia's landmarks.

The program supports service providers by encouraging professional destination management and trip organisation. This model is crucial as Saudi Arabia aims to achieve a historic number of 13.5 million pilgrims in 2023. Companies are motivated to adopt this approach to meet high-quality standards.

The ministry reviewed major challenges and solutions during the gathering. It emphasised adherence to quality standards and introduced tools for companies to monitor their performance. These measures aim to enrich pilgrims' experiences throughout their journey.

Facilitating Procedures

Efforts continue to streamline procedures for Umrah performers. The ministry prioritises receiving a large number of visitors annually, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. By improving services, it aims to offer a unique faith journey for all pilgrims.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of commitment and compliance standards during the Umrah journey. Ensuring these standards helps maintain high-quality services and enhances overall pilgrim satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah remains dedicated to enhancing Umrah services. By empowering private sector involvement and introducing innovative programs, it strives to provide an exceptional experience for millions of pilgrims each year.

With inputs from SPA