Mumbai:( Story by Amir Ali Sheikh )As a privileged media personnel, I embarked on a transformative Umrah journey, culminating in a productive workshop at the Address Hotel Jabal Amal in Makkah on October 17, 2024. Joined by fellow media representatives from Egypt, Jordan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond, we engaged in a fruitful discussion with Mr. Musab Hashem, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).
“Nusuk: Gateway to Seamless Umrah Experience”
Mr. Hashem enlightened us on the benefits of the innovative Nusuk platform, designed to streamline Umrah services. This integrated platform offers:
- Electronic visa applications
- Hotel and flight reservations
- Multilingual support (ten languages)
- Simplified procedures for group pilgrimages
“Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Vision 2030”
The Kingdom aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. To achieve this, the government is implementing initiatives to attract global pilgrims, including:
- Kids Visa Free: Simplified travel for families
- Study Tours: Exploring Islamic history and culture
- Cultural and historical tourism opportunities
- Special Umrah packages and discounts
“Enriching the Pilgrim Experience”
Mr. Hashem emphasized the importance of providing an exceptional experience for pilgrims. Saudi Arabia’s investments in infrastructure development, hospitality, and services ensure a comfortable and spiritual journey.
“A Global Invitation”
The workshop highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating spiritual journeys for pilgrims worldwide. With Nusuk and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is poised to become a premier destination for Umrah pilgrims.
“A Heartfelt Thank You”
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Saudi Tourism Authority for inviting me on this enriching journey. The STA’s efforts to promote Umrah tourism have left an indelible mark on my heart.
Fact File:
- 30 million Umrah pilgrims targeted by 2030
- Nusuk platform offers services in ten languages
- Saudi government invests heavily in infrastructure development
- Special schemes and packages introduced to attract more pilgrims
