JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced that more than 18.5 million pilgrims visited Makkah and Madinah in 2024. This includes 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims.
The minister revealed the record-breaking figures at the fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, which runs until Jan. 16.
The event, themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” is hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, featuring more than 300 local and international organizations displaying innovations to improve the pilgrim experience.
The event included the launch of Makkah Taxi, a new transport service developed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Makkah Taxi began operations on Jan. 13, being introduced in phases for a smooth transition. The service operates around the clock with 47 locations around Makkah, including key stations and areas near the Grand Mosque.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser presented the operating license to the winning company.
The fleet is expected to grow to about 1,800 vehicles by the end of 2025, enhancing transport services for Makkah’s growing demand, SPA reported.
Passengers can pay with cash or credit cards, with fares regulated by the Public Transport Authority.
The fleet features advanced surveillance systems, smart sensors, emergency buttons, and a dedicated customer service center for added security and convenience.
Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the commission, said that the vehicles are environmentally friendly and highly reliable, operating on hybrid and electric systems.
This reinforces Makkah’s position as a smart, sustainable city that blends technological advances with improved experiences for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and residents, he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior is displaying security systems powered by artificial intelligence, equipment, and digital solutions for crowd management at holy sites.
The ministry’s pavilion highlights the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, aimed at raising awareness of Hajj regulations, ensuring pilgrims obtain official permits, and supporting security and organizational efforts to provide a safe experience.
The Makkah region principality’s pavilion promotes awareness and regulatory compliance, while the Madinah region principality focuses on services for pilgrims and Umrah performers.
The four-day event features 47 discussion sessions, 50 workshops, and more than 130 speakers addressing sustainability, eco-friendly technologies, AI in crowd management, and opportunities for startups in the Hajj sector.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umm Al-Qura University is organizing the “Humanizing the Holy Sites” hackathon, inviting students, entrepreneurs and specialists to develop sustainable solutions that enhance the pilgrim experience and reduce environmental impact.
