Al-Rabiah inaugurates the fourth edition; more than 200 companies targeted after registrations grew 157% in two years, alongside the launch of a new award to enhance services for the Guests of God

Jeddah | BETH

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah inaugurated the fourth edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum on Monday, amid a notable increase in participation and partnerships related to services for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

Al-Rabiah said the forum has evolved through its previous editions into a platform bringing together Umrah companies, service providers and partners from inside and outside Saudi Arabia, with the aim of building partnerships and developing solutions that enhance the experience of the Guests of God.

157% Growth

The number of registered participants rose from more than 19,000 in 2024 to over 49,000 in the previous edition, representing growth of more than 157%.

The previous edition also featured 138 companies and saw the signing of more than 5,000 agreements, while the fourth edition is targeting participation from more than 200 companies, an increase of nearly 45%.

The exhibition area in the previous edition extended to 11,000 square meters, while 174 speakers took part in its sessions.

Service Excellence Award

The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the launch of the “Excellence Award for Services Provided to the Guests of God,” aimed at improving service quality and encouraging positive competition and innovation among companies.

The award covers five categories: transportation and aviation, hospitality services, enrichment destinations, gifts, and catering, with the winners to be honored during the fourth edition of the forum.

From Exhibition to Market

The forum’s growth reflects more than the expansion of an annual event; it also reflects the continued development of the Umrah pilgrim and visitor journey.

The increase in participating companies, agreements and exhibition space points to the gradual development of an integrated service ecosystem bringing together transportation, hotels, technology, catering, tourism experiences and enrichment destinations.

This growth positions the forum beyond simply showcasing services, turning it into a platform for building partnerships and converting opportunities into executable business, directly supporting the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.