Madinah to Host 3rd Umrah & Ziyarah Forum: Digitizing the Pilgrim Experience
Under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan, Governor of Madinah, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), is set to launch the third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum. Scheduled from March 30 to April 1, 2026, the event represents a critical milestone in the Kingdom’s multi-billion dollar effort to modernize religious tourism and infrastructure.
- Scale of Impact: Anticipating over 40,000 visitors and 150 global exhibitors.
- Strategic Networking: Facilitating the signing of approximately 5,000 B2B and G2B agreements.
- Knowledge Exchange: Featuring 160 speakers and over 50 specialized workshops focusing on service excellence.
- Vision 2030 Alignment: Direct support of the Pilgrim Experience Program to host 30 million Umrah performers annually by 2030.
Innovation at the Heart of Hospitality
The forum serves as the primary ecosystem for stakeholders to showcase technological advancements in crowd management, digital visa processing, and smart hospitality solutions. By integrating cutting-edge GovTech and private sector innovation, the event aims to streamline the journey of visitors to Madinah, reinforcing its status as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.
As the Kingdom continues to invest in the “Human Experience” element of Vision 2030, this forum acts as a catalyst for integration across the travel, health, and technology sectors. Attendees will explore how data-driven solutions are being used to provide a more convenient, seamless, and enriching experience for pilgrims from around the world.
The Saudi Perspective
For enterprise leaders in the GCC, the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is more than a religious gathering; it is a massive procurement and partnership engine. The expected 5,000 agreements highlight the lucrative opportunities in logistics, fintech, and digital transformation within the religious tourism sector. As Madinah undergoes rapid urban expansion, the forum provides a roadmap for how GovTech initiatives are being scaled to meet the demands of a global audience.
