Saudi Arabia and Malaysia Expand Pilgrimage Collaboration at 2025 Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
Madinah, April 15, 2025 – The city of Madinah welcomed delegates from across the Islamic world on Tuesday as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Al Madinah Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, formally launched the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025, scheduled from April 15 to 17. The forum convened religious authorities, policymakers, industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of pilgrimage management and spiritual hospitality.
Representing Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh Bin Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of the Tourism and Services arm of Lembaga Tabung Haji, addressed the forum with a strong endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s modernization of pilgrimage services. He praised the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for spearheading efforts that have significantly enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and the spiritual integrity of the pilgrim experience.
Among the key milestones he cited were the development of the Nusuk digital platform, the introduction of high-speed rail infrastructure, and streamlined visa processes—all of which have redefined the way Umrah pilgrims plan and undertake their journeys. These initiatives, he affirmed, are aligned with the visionary objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, reflecting an advanced and people-centered approach to religious tourism.
Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh also spoke of Malaysia’s deep-rooted partnership with the Kingdom, particularly through Tabung Haji’s coordination with Saudi authorities. This collaboration, he stressed, is grounded in shared spiritual commitment and long standing trust, ensuring that Malaysian pilgrims receive quality care and seamless logistical support.
He further called for stronger international alignment in areas such as health and safety protocols, technological integration, and infrastructure enhancement, all of which are critical to maintaining the dignity and security of pilgrims.
Closing his remarks, he reaffirmed Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to working with Saudi Arabia and the broader Muslim world to uplift pilgrimage services and make them more sustainable, inclusive, and spiritually enriching for future generations.
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, held annually under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, serves as a global platform for innovation, policy engagement, and collaborative progress in the field of pilgrimage management.
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