MAKKAH: Umrah visa arrivals rose 22.5 percent this season, according to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, covering the period from Dhul Hijjah 15 through the end of Muharram.

Umrah, the non-mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca, draws millions of Muslims annually and is a key component of Saudi Arabia's religious tourism sector.

International Umrah arrivals topped 1.27 million, with the increase credited to government support, inter-agency coordination, and ongoing digital and operational enhancements under Saudi Vision 2030.

Three-quarters of pilgrims arrived by air. Pakistan sent the most at 200,000, followed by Indonesia (170,000) and Iraq (130,000).

The ministry said it would continue to upgrade the digital accessibility and operational efficiency of the Umrah system to provide a more convenient, high-quality experience for pilgrims from planning to departure.

The surge aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's ambitions to expand religious tourism and enhance pilgrim services. Continued investment in digital infrastructure aims to streamline the entire Umrah experience, from visa processing to departure. These efforts reflect the kingdom's broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil.