Hyderabad, July 19 -- Saudi Arabia has recorded a 22.5 per cent increase in Umrah visa arrivals during the opening weeks of the 1448 AH/2026 season, welcoming 931,500 pilgrims between Dhu Al-Hijjah 15 and the end of Muharram.

According to the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, total international arrivals exceeded 1.27 million during the period. The ministry attributed the growth to continued government support, effective coordination among relevant authorities and ongoing improvements to digital and operational services under Saudi Vision 2030.

Air travel accounted for 75 per cent of international arrivals, while the remaining 25 per cent of pilgrims entered Saudi Arabia through land and sea ports.

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