Saudi Arabia’s Doyof Al-Rahman Program, a key component of the nation’s Vision 2030, has set its sights on hosting a staggering 15 million Umrah pilgrims by 2025. This ambitious initiative, outlined in the program’s 2023 annual report, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims worldwide.
The program’s strategic focus is on modernizing and expanding infrastructure within the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. This includes renovations and development of 40 Islamic and cultural sites by 2030, transforming the Kingdom into a gateway to rich cultural and spiritual experiences. The vision extends further, aiming to serve 30 million pilgrims by 2030, facilitated by easy and streamlined Umrah procedures, coupled with innovative solutions to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors.
The Doyof Al-Rahman Program aims to ensure a seamless and enriching journey for each pilgrim. The use of cutting-edge technology is central to achieving this goal. By 2025, the program aims for an 85% satisfaction rate for services provided to pilgrims, with an ambition to reach 90% by 2030. This commitment to service excellence showcases Saudi Arabia’s dedication to continuous improvement in the pilgrimage experience.
The program’s impact extends beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. It will have far-reaching implications for the global travel industry, particularly for countries with significant Muslim populations. For instance, Turkiye has witnessed a remarkable 312% increase in the number of pilgrims, while Pakistan, with over two million pilgrims, remains the leading source. Other countries like Egypt and Indonesia also contribute substantially, with over 1.7 million and 1.4 million pilgrims respectively. These statistics reflect the growing global demand for Umrah and highlight the importance of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to meet this demand.
The Doyof Al-Rahman Program is a collaborative initiative involving 70 entities across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This integration is crucial to achieving the program’s three strategic goals:
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Facilitating the hosting of more pilgrims:
This involves streamlining processes, improving infrastructure, and ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors.*
Enhancing access to the Two Holy Mosques:
The program aims to make it easier for pilgrims to visit and perform their religious obligations at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.*
Providing high-quality services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims:
This includes offering world-class accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and support services, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.By enriching the religious and cultural experiences of pilgrims, the program aims to not only fulfill the spiritual needs of visitors but also ensure the sustainability of the sector. This holistic approach to pilgrimage management is expected to set new standards in religious tourism, influencing global practices and encouraging other countries to invest in similar initiatives.
As the Doyof Al-Rahman Program progresses, the global travel industry will likely witness significant shifts in the way religious tourism is managed and promoted. The program’s success could lead to an increase in the number of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination for Islamic pilgrimage. Furthermore, the development of Islamic and cultural sites in Makkah and Madinah will attract not only pilgrims but also tourists interested in the rich heritage of these regions.
