Nusuk platform connects over 70 million Muslims worldwide; Hajj without Baggage initiative handles 2.9 million bags, cuts airport processing time from two hours to 15 minutes
JEDDAH, Monday, November 9, 2026 (WNP): Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Committee Tawfig Al-Rabiah has highlighted sweeping transformations in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, saying the Kingdom is advancing an integrated approach focused on expanding access, improving service quality, accelerating digital transformation and enriching the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, Al-Rabiah said the reforms encompassed opening up competition in the services market, early preparations for Hajj, development of the holy sites and transportation infrastructure, facilitating travel and support services, and enhancing services at the Two Holy Mosques.
He said the shared objective of all participants in the conference was to make it easier for Muslims from across the world to perform the fifth pillar of Islam and ensure a smooth, safe and spiritually enriching Hajj experience.
The minister noted that the Pilgrim Experience Program, launched in 2019 as part of Saudi Vision 2030 realization programmes, had been working to facilitate pilgrims’ arrival and continuously improve the services extended to them.
Highlighting the impact of market reforms, Al-Rabiah said opening up competition and developing the services market had expanded choices for Hajj missions, enabling each mission to select from among 34 companies providing services to pilgrims arriving from abroad.
He added that greater opportunities for direct contracting had been introduced in 58 countries, making service quality and competitive pricing key factors in improving the overall standard of services.
On infrastructure and transportation, the minister said development work had focused on improving transport projects and reducing travel times between the holy sites, helping pilgrims move more efficiently during the Hajj journey.
He described the Nusuk platform and application as an integrated digital gateway for pilgrims, revealing that the application now has more than 70 million Muslim users worldwide and offers a wide range of digital services to facilitate Hajj and Umrah rituals.
Al-Rabiah also highlighted the success of the “Hajj without Baggage” initiative, which handled approximately 2.9 million bags during the 1447 AH Hajj season, reducing airport check-in and travel processing time from two hours to just 15 minutes.
Pointing to measurable improvements in pilgrims’ experience, he said satisfaction levels had increased from 74 percent in 1443 AH to 78 percent in 1444 AH, reaching 93 percent in 1447 AH.
The minister affirmed that the achievements already made and the Kingdom’s future ambitions were underpinned by the security and stability enjoyed by Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership.
From expanding service choices and transforming the pilgrim journey digitally to reducing airport processing time and raising satisfaction to 93 percent, Saudi Arabia is reshaping Hajj and Umrah services around the comfort, safety and spiritual experience of the Guests of Allah.
