Saudi Arabia takes steps for Umrah 2025: Focus on security, simplicity and support for pilgrims world news

TL; Dr.

With the new Umrah season starting in 2025, Saudi officials are clarifying that attention is not only on numbers, but on the people behind them. The purpose of this year is simple: to complete the pilgrimage safe, easy and more spiritually. While millions of people are expected to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, The Kingdom is working to remove the normal stress points, whether it is confusion in busy mosques, difficulty for elderly visitors, or problems with hotel booking.Instead of large slogans or ambitious promises, this year’s changes are in real action. Saudi Arabia is carrying forward practical solutions, from assistant digital devices to security gear for weak groups. And with tight inspections on tourist services, there is also a clear message: quality and safety matter more than ever.These new tricks explain how the state is managing modern challenges without losing the vision of the spiritual heart of Umrah.

Promotion of “Rushad” app

This year one of the main upgrades is digital, and is on a lot of hands. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched a campaign in Madina to promote the “Rushad” app designed specifically for pilgrims.What apps offers:

The campaign is being run in major visitor areas around the Prophet’s mosque, including historical places. It is not only about downloading an app, it is about helping people use it in a meaningful way while on their journey.

Bracelets that help, not just track

To support weak pilgrims, such as children, elderly, and blind visitors, the Grand Mosque and the Prophet Masjid have been launched by the General Authority.What do they do here:

It is not about monitoring. It is about safety, especially in a setting where it is easy to separate or overwhelmed.

Basics fix: infrastructure, training and technology

Whatever the experience of a pilgrim makes or breaks, it is behind the curtain: how smooth transport is, how well the crowd is managed, or how clean and accessible are public sector. By that end, 16 new initiatives have been rolled out in Madina under the Pilgrim Experience Program.What is being improved:

Overall, 89 separate projects in 23 government agencies are currently active, which cover everything from safety and tourism to health and logistics. According to officials, 95% of these projects have already been completed or in the final stages.

Housing standard for housing in maize

Pilgrims should not worry about where they are living, especially holy as a maize in a city. This is the reason that the Ministry of Tourism has carried forward inspections and has discontinued 25 non-compliance facilities in this July.Reasons include:

This crack is part of the broader “our guests cum first” campaign, which encourages pilgrims to report issues through the Integrated Tourism Center (Dial 930).

Support that is easy to reach

It is easy to feel overwhelmed in a spacious place like the Prophet mosque, especially if you are the first-time or do not speak Arabic. This is why two service centers within the mosque’s courtyard have played an important role in helping pilgrims feel supported.In 2024 alone, these centers:

These centers focus on what, comfort, clarity and calm during worship.questions to ask1. What is the “Rushad” app and how do I get it?Rushad is a free mobile app launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. This includes equipment such as Quran Access, Prayer Times and 3D guides for Umrah and Hajj. It is available at most app stores and is promoted on major sites in Medina.2. Are safety bracelets necessary for all visitors?No, they are mainly introduced to children, elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities. You can request one through mosque officers or service centers.3. What should I do if there are issues in my hotel in Mecca?Call 930 and contact the integrated tourist center. The Ministry of Tourism encourages the response and will follow any complaint related to the quality of security or service.