Umrah operations conclude ahead of the 1404 Hajj pilgrimage

The Umrah pilgrimage season, which resumed in September 2024 following a ten-year hiatus, has officially concluded as the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation prepares for the upcoming Hajj season.

According to the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation, the Umrah pilgrimage season, which officially commenced on 19 September 2024 after a ten-year suspension, concluded at the end of April, with the organisation now shifting its focus to the Hajj Tamattu operations.

Following efforts by the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation, approximately 205,000 Iranian pilgrims visited the Prophet’s Mosque and the Masjid al-Haram during this period, exceeding the initial projection of 175,000 travellers.

Iranian pilgrims departed from 16 flight hubs during this season, spending five days in Medina and five days in Mecca.

Operational services, including intercity and intracity transport, guided tours in Mecca and Medina, catering, and logistics, were reportedly delivered effectively, resulting in high levels of satisfaction among the pilgrims.

Accommodation for Iranian pilgrims in Medina and Mecca was provided in accordance with established standards and planning. Hotels in Medina were situated near the Prophet’s Mosque, allowing pilgrims to reach the site on foot. In Mecca, all hotels were connected to the intracity transport network, enabling pilgrims to visit the Masjid al-Haram at all hours of the day.

More than five million citizens currently hold Umrah registration documents. According to current plans, the next Umrah season is scheduled to begin in mid-Muharram following the Hajj operations, with a target of sending over 400,000 pilgrims. Should conditions and infrastructure permit, this figure may be increased.

Final preparations for the Hajj Tamattu are currently underway. The first group of operational staff is scheduled to depart for the holy sites on 3 May, with the first Hajj caravan departing on 5 May.

For the Hajj Tamattu operations, which will be facilitated through 22 flight hubs, approximately 85,000 Iranian pilgrims will travel to the holy sites via the national airline and the host country's carrier. All necessary arrangements, including accommodation, transport, catering, logistics, and various cultural and operational requirements, have been finalised to welcome the pilgrims.