Saudi Arabia recorded a remarkable 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing role as a global hub for religious tourism. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the surge highlights both the success of Saudi Arabia’s reforms in the pilgrimage sector and the rising demand for Umrah among Muslims worldwide.
Of the total pilgrims, Saudi nationals accounted for 24 percent, while the majority were international visitors and non-Saudi residents living in the Kingdom. This blend of domestic and overseas participation illustrates the diverse demographic profile of those undertaking Umrah.
The influx of international pilgrims reached 6.52 million between January and March, representing a 10.7 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024. Air travel remained the dominant mode of arrival, with 82.2 percent of foreign pilgrims entering through airports, underlining the vital role of aviation in facilitating pilgrimage journeys.
Domestic pilgrim numbers stood at 8.69 million, with non-Saudi expatriates making up nearly 58 percent of this segment. Gender distribution data showed men comprising 60.5 percent of the total pilgrim population, while women accounted for 39.5 percent.
Seasonal trends also emerged, with January attracting the largest share of international pilgrims at 36.5 percent, while March saw peak participation among domestic worshippers, accounting for 80.9 percent of local pilgrim activity.
Madinah maintained its central importance, welcoming 6.45 million visitors in the quarter, including 4.41 million international travelers. This emphasizes the city’s significance not only as a religious center but also as a cultural and historical destination closely tied to the overall pilgrimage journey alongside Makkah.
These figures, compiled using field surveys and administrative records from the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Ministry of Tourism, highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing services and infrastructure.
By streamlining visa procedures and improving facilities, the Kingdom continues to align its pilgrimage sector with Vision 2030 goals, ensuring that the growing demand for Umrah is met with efficiency and care.
