In its 2024 annual report, the Pilgrim Experience Program, a major project within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, revealed a 101 percent rise in arrivals over 2022. This success was ascribed to cross-sector integration and simplified processes that made pilgrimages easier.
The report demonstrated the Kingdom's efforts to deliver a rich, smooth, and spiritually rewarding experience from planning to safe return by highlighting the program's and its connected entities' accomplishments in improving services for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.
The report claims that in 2024, more than 18.5 million pilgrims and Umrah performers—including 16.92 million Umrah performers—arrived from overseas, surpassing the year's goals. It stated that 89 programs that were carried out with over 40 government agencies had a 95 percent compliance rate. All phases of the pilgrimage process are covered by these programs, including transportation, ceremonies, and trips to historical and religious locations.
The number of visitors to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah increased from 4 million in 2022 to around 13 million in 2024. As a result of better experiences and service, visitor satisfaction increased from 57% to 81%.
With almost 153,000 volunteers helping pilgrims in 2024, up from 15,000 in 2022, volunteer engagement increased dramatically, demonstrating a greater social participation culture.
In order to solve logistical issues, develop new routes, increase seat capacity, and facilitate pilgrims' journey, the program organized 33 international trips with both public and private partners.
The Nusuk platform, which currently provides over 100 services to simplify travel, booking, and pilgrimage arrangements, was one of the digital service advancements recognized in the report.
More than 940,000 pilgrims have benefited from the Makkah Route project, which aims to speed up travel processes for them back home.
