Gulf Citizens Can Now Perform Umrah Anytime in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a major update for citizens and residents of Gulf countries. They can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, without being limited to specific periods. This move is expected to make it easier for people in the region to visit Makkah for spiritual purposes whenever they choose.

This decision applies to people from all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia itself. Citizens and residents of these countries can now enter Saudi Arabia at any time, as long as they apply for Umrah permits through the official Nusuk application.

The Nusuk app is the main digital platform provided by Saudi Arabia for managing Umrah-related services. It allows users to apply for permits, book accommodations, and access important information about their pilgrimage. This makes the process more organized and convenient for everyone involved.

In addition to the Nusuk app, Gulf residents can also use several types of visas to perform Umrah. These include Umrah visas obtained through the app, transit visas provided in cooperation with airlines like Saudia and Flynas, and tourist visas available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official portal.

This step is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national plan to diversify its economy and promote tourism. Vision 2030 aims to enhance the country’s role as a center for religious and cultural experiences, while also reducing its dependency on oil revenue. Making Umrah more accessible is one way the Kingdom is supporting this broader vision.

The announcement comes shortly after the completion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. With the Umrah season starting again, the Ministry reported that over 190,000 Umrah visas have already been issued to international pilgrims. This shows a strong interest from Muslims around the world in visiting the holy city of Makkah.

Umrah is a religious pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. It is shorter and simpler than Hajj, which takes place during a specific time in the Islamic calendar and is mandatory once in a lifetime for those who are able. Though optional, Umrah is deeply meaningful for Muslims and is considered a way to seek spiritual renewal.

By allowing Gulf citizens and residents to perform Umrah year-round, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its commitment to serving the Muslim world. The easier access, multiple visa options, and use of digital tools like Nusuk will help more people fulfill their religious goals with ease and peace of mind.