Jeddah : The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of enhancing Hajj and Umrah services through innovative initiatives designed to provide a seamless experience for pilgrims. The “Nusk” platform, managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the “Makkah Route” initiative, developed by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with various government agencies, exemplify the effective use of technology and organization to serve pilgrims.
In just one year, the “Nusk” platform has seen remarkable growth, expanding its user base from 12 million to over 40 million across 190 countries, with over 90% of users located outside the Kingdom. The app has been downloaded more than 26 million times, issuing over 17 million Umrah permits and 13 million permits for visits to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah), offering more than 130 digital services to enhance visitors’ religious and cultural experiences.
On the operational side, the “Makkah Route” initiative successfully served 314,337 pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, facilitating their travel on 899 flights to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. This was achieved through dedicated terminals in selected countries to streamline the reception and processing of pilgrims.
The initiative aims to expedite the arrival process for pilgrims, including issuing visas electronically, collecting biometric data, and completing necessary procedures at departure airports while ensuring health requirements are met. Luggage is tagged and sorted based on transportation and accommodation arrangements within the Kingdom. Upon arrival, pilgrims are directly transferred to designated buses that take them to their accommodations in Mecca and Medina, while relevant authorities handle their luggage.
The Hajj 2025 Conference and Exhibition, taking place in Jeddah from November 9th to 12th, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to continuously improving the Hajj and Umrah system, showcasing innovative national experiences in this field. “Nusk” and “Makkah Route” stand out as key examples of how digital solutions and on-ground services are effectively integrated to enhance the pilgrim experience.
With these advancements, Saudi Arabia solidifies its role as a global leader in managing crowds and serving visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, driven by its ambitious Vision 2030, which emphasizes the honor and national responsibility of serving pilgrims as a priority for the Kingdom’s future.
