Madinah, April 15, 2025

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Madinah Region, officially opened the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025, held from April 15 to 17. The event gathered high-level dignitaries, scholars, and professionals from across the Islamic world to foster greater international collaboration in managing and improving pilgrimage services.

Speaking at the forum’s inaugural session, Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh Bin Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of the Tourism and Services Company of Lembaga Tabung Haji, delivered a keynote lauding Saudi Arabia’s leadership in transforming the pilgrimage experience for Muslims globally. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the organizing team for providing an inclusive platform to exchange expertise and enhance service delivery.

He pointed to transformative advancements—such as the launch of the “Nusuk” digital platform, integration of high-speed rail systems, and progressive visa facilitation—that have reshaped the Umrah framework. These initiatives, he noted, reflect the Kingdom’s visionary and strategic drive, embedded in its Vision 2030, to modernize religious tourism without compromising its spiritual essence.

Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh also emphasized the strong bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, particularly through Tabung Haji, which closely collaborates with Saudi institutions to ensure Malaysian pilgrims receive well-coordinated and dignified services. He described this partnership as a manifestation of shared spiritual values and mutual responsibility.

He further advocated for sustained global coordination on matters including public health measures, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation—all vital to protecting the rights and comfort of pilgrims in a rapidly changing world.

In closing, he reaffirmed Malaysia’s steadfast dedication to working alongside Saudi Arabia and other nations to raise the standard and reach of pilgrimage services, ensuring they remain accessible and fulfilling for generations to come.

The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is a flagship annual event spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, designed to encourage innovation, foster dialogue, and deepen intergovernmental collaboration across the global pilgrimage ecosystem.