Saudi Arabia’s city of Mecca is preparing for the next round of pilgrims taking part in Umrah and Hajj in 2025. 

While Hajj is due to commence on 14 June, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and involves a series of religious rituals from performing Tawaf (walking around the Kaaba), shaving facial hair, wearing the Ihram (white gown) and more. 

Last year, more than 18.5 million Muslims from around the world took part in both Hajj and Umrah, according to About Islam, a huge spike on the 4 million pilgrims only two years earlier (2022). The number of pilgrims is expected to climb further this year, prompting the Saudi Arabian government to implement a range of rules and measures to meet demand and ensure everyone has a safe experience.

Read on for the breakdown of changes pilgrims need to know: 

Helipads and helicopters 

With so many people expected to perform a pilgrimage this year, Saudi Arabia has taken steps to accommodate growing numbers. Among these is launching two dedicated air ambulance helipads within the Holy Mosque. 

Medical helicopters will be able to access to helipads 24/7, a move the Kingdom believes will support rapid responses and allow emergency crews to carry critical patients to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. 

“Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of pilgrims by providing around-the-clock air ambulance support,” said Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health. “This initiative ensures that all patients can receive the highest level of care at one of the world’s holiest and most visited sites.” 

“By transferring patients to hospitals based on their specific needs, we continue to improve health outcomes for pilgrims with both scale and speed.”

A well-equipped on-site hospital 

For less the critical patients, the Kingdom also recently opened the Al-Haram Emergency Hospital inside the Holy Mosque. The new facility is equipped with advanced medical technology and run by highly trained healthcare professionals. Inside, injured pilgrims will find an intensive care unit, medical testing facilities, radiology, a pharmacy and more. 

Expanded sites and accommodation 

In addition to the new helipads and hospital, Saudi Arabia is investing some $26 billion to improve the pilgrimage experience. This money will be invested in high-end hotels, residences, retailers and restaurants.

A highlight of the major expansion will be the 3.5km strip of hotels, residential buildings, parks and malls that will lead up to the Grand Mosque area. 

While the entire project is projected for completion by 2030, according to Big 5 Construction Saudi, some of these new facilities have started coming online and already available for pilgrims to see and enjoy. 

 Visa restrictions 

Saudi Arabia has made a change to its visa results for the two months to mid-June 2025, which will impact pilgrims from 14 countries. 

In a bid to manage overcrowding and enhance safety measures, the Kingdom has halted Umrah, business and family visit visas for citizens of: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. 

Other fast facts to know about Umrah: 

• Who: It can only be performed by people of Islamic faith. 
• Age: Pilgrims must be at least 18 years old to obtain a visa. Anyone under the age of 18 are permitted to take part in rituals if accompanied by an older family member. 
• Time: Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and is both shorter and less demanding than Hajj. 
• Ability: Pilgrims must be able to physically travel and perform rituals independently or with assistance (such as a wheelchair). Pilgrims must also be of sound mind when attending. 

Also read: Saudi Arabia’s surprising nature spots