MADINAH — Emir of Madinah Prince Salman bin Sultan affirmed that serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors is a deep-rooted commitment and obligation shouldered by the successive Saudi leaderships ever since the Kingdom’s foundation. He made the remarks while inaugurating the third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum at King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah on Monday. The three-day event is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program.“Serving pilgrims and visitors has never been a fleeting responsibility, but rather an authentic approach upon which the Kingdom was founded since its unification by King Abdulaziz. The Saudi leadership continues to harness all its capabilities to serve the Two Holy Mosques and offer the best possible services for their visitors,” the Emir said. Prince Salman explained that the experience of the pilgrims and visitors represents a complete journey, rich in spiritual significance, and connected to the roots of this great religion and the depth of Islamic civilization that originated from this blessed land. “The rapid development in the Umrah and visit services system reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to its religious and humanitarian mission,” he said. The Emir noted that the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is gaining importance as a global platform that brings together experts, stakeholders, and investors to exchange expertise, explore opportunities, and shape the future of the Umrah and Ziyarah sector in support of Saudi Vision 2030 targets. Prince Salman thanked Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the ministry staff, and participating entities for their significant efforts in developing this vital sector. Addressing the event, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah revealed that the number of foreign Umrah pilgrims exceeded 18 million between 2022 and 2025, representing a 214 percent increase, with satisfaction levels reaching 94 percent in 2025. On the sidelines of the conference, Prince Salman inaugurated the King Abdulaziz Foundation’s Historical Atlas of the Prophetic Biography. Additionally, he launched a naming initiative for neighborhoods and streets within the Rua Al Madinah project, using historically documented names to preserve the area’s cultural and urban identity near the Prophet’s Mosque. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed on the occasion. During the event, the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum awards were given away to organizations and Umrah companies in recognition of their outstanding services.
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