MADINAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced that the ministry has launched a special operations room to address challenges and provide services to pilgrims arriving from abroad. This is in collaboration with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and other relevant agencies. This initiative aims to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims while performing their rituals. During his speech at the opening session of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah, Al-Rabiah highlighted the preparedness of the ministry and relevant entities to adapt to changes in the region. He disclosed that a total of 18 million Umrah pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom this year, marking a growth of over 214 percent compared to 2022 and 2025. He commended the Kingdom's leadership for its support of the Umrah sector.The minister noted that there has been a rise in pilgrim satisfaction to 94 percent by 2025, in addition to a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, reaching more than 15.6 million, as well as significant increases in the number of developed historical sites. The third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum serves as a platform for sharing experiences and building partnerships, featuring over 150 exhibitors, 50 workshops, and the signing of more than 5,000 agreements, all aimed at improving Umrah and visit services.