Saudi Arabia Releases Umrah Guidelines For Families With Kids

The Saudi Arabian government has recently released guidelines for parents planning to undertake Umrah with their children which traditionally witnesses a surge in Muslim families worldwide embarking on the pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah places a particular emphasis on instilling a sense of reverence for the Quran in the younger generation during Umrah rituals, given the ready availability of copies of the holy book at the Grand Mosque. Parents are urged to ensure that their children maintain a respectful silence while within the premises. Additionally, parents are advised to supervise their children when using escalators, prioritizing safety. In case of any concerns or assistance needed, parents are encouraged to seek help from security personnel.

Read more: Saudi Arabia Discloses Pilgrims Arrival Date For Hajj 2024

The guidelines reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to providing optimal facilities for the millions of pilgrims who flock to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season, with over 2 million Muslims participating in the pilgrimage, and more than 13 million undertaking Umrah annually. Managing the logistics of such vast numbers of people poses a considerable challenge, making transportation a crucial aspect of the pilgrimage experience. The government has therefore invested efforts in enhancing transportation services to facilitate the seamless movement of pilgrims.

In addition to transportation, the Saudi Arabian government is keen on streamlining visa procedures to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience. Notably, improvements have been made to the Nusuk platform for issuing permits. Furthermore, citizens are now allowed to invite friends to visit the country and perform Umrah. In the near future, a unified visa platform, inspired by the Schengen Visa model, will be introduced, aiming to simplify visa processes for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

These initiatives underline Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continually enhance the pilgrimage experience, not only by addressing logistical challenges but also by promoting safety, reverence, and ease in the execution of Umrah rituals. As the Kingdom strives to accommodate and facilitate pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, these guidelines provide valuable information for parents embarking on this sacred journey with their children during the significant month of Ramadan.