The latest Umrah Statistics Report published by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reveals that a total of 6,254,751 foreign and domestic pilgrims performed Umrah during the third quarter of 2024, marking a significant 35 percent increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Male pilgrims accounted for 57.4 percent of the total, while females made up 42.6 percent. Saudi nationals comprised 10.7 percent of all Umrah pilgrims during this quarter.
The report further breaks down the numbers, indicating that the total number of foreign Umrah performers reached 3,348,512, with males making up 51 percent and females making up 49 percent. Domestic Umrah pilgrims totaled 2,906,239, with Saudi nationals accounting for 23.1 percent and non-Saudis making up 76.9 percent. Among domestic pilgrims, males represented 64.8 percent while females accounted for 35.2 percent.
In terms of age distribution, the report highlighted that among foreign Umrah pilgrims, the highest proportion fell in the 35-44 age group at 17.6 percent, while the lowest proportion was among those over 65 years old at 9.2 percent. Similarly, the largest age group among domestic pilgrims was those aged 30-39, making up 29.2 percent of the total.
Interestingly, August recorded the highest number of single-time Umrah performers from within the Kingdom, accounting for 40.1 percent of the total pilgrims during the quarter. The report also provided insights into the types of visas used by foreign pilgrims during this period, with 60.8 percent arriving with Umrah visas, 29.7 percent with other types of visas, 6.6 percent with electronic visit visas, and 2.9 percent with Gulf visas.
Overall, the statistics indicate a significant increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims compared to the previous year, with both foreign and domestic pilgrims contributing to this growth. The data also sheds light on the demographics and visa preferences of pilgrims, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries. As the popularity of Umrah continues to rise, it is important for authorities to monitor and analyze these trends to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage experience for all visitors.
