MADINAH, Saudi Arabia — September 2, 2026: More than 19 million visitors have visited Al-Rawda Al-Sharif in Madinah over the past two years, according to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
The minister disclosed the figure during the opening of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, highlighting the growing number of pilgrims and visitors benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s expanding arrangements for religious visits.
The three-day forum brings together officials, experts, researchers and stakeholders to discuss ways of improving the experience of Umrah performers and visitors to the holy sites.
The event features dialogue sessions, specialised workshops, an artificial intelligence competition focused on Umrah services, and a hackathon dedicated to historical sites associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The focus on artificial intelligence and innovation reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to use modern technology to improve religious tourism, enhance visitor services and develop new solutions for managing the increasing number of visitors.
Al-Rawda Al-Sharif, located within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, is one of the most significant sites visited by Muslims performing Umrah and those visiting the holy city.
The latest figures underline the scale of religious visitation to Madinah and the importance of continued investment in technology, infrastructure and visitor services to accommodate pilgrims and visitors.
