Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that 18.5 million people performed Hajj and Umrah in 2024, supported by initiatives to expand accommodation capacity, upgrade airports, improve transportation networks, and introduce technological services.
The smooth organization of these pilgrimage seasons, praised by international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the strong performance of the hospitality sector.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the hotel industry in Mecca alone grew by 80% in 2024, offering over 1,000 licensed hotels and apartments. Mecca now boasts more than 1,150 hotels and 260,000 rooms, while Medina recorded 347 hotels and 1,500 serviced apartments by the end of 2024.
This growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance pilgrimage experiences. Launched in 2016, the “Doyof Al Rahman” program aims to improve infrastructure and services for visitors performing Hajj and Umrah.
