Ke alakaʻi nei ʻo Saudi Arabia a me Malaysia i ka holomua huakaʻi hele honua me ka hiʻohiʻona huakaʻi wiwo ʻole ma Umrah a me Ziyarah Forum 2025

Poalua, April 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to transforming global religious travel at the 2025 Umrah and Ziyarah Forum held in Madinah from April 15 to 17. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the event, which brought together international policymakers, religious leaders, and travel industry experts. Representing Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh Bin Syed Abdul Rahman praised Saudi Arabia’s modernization of pilgrimage infrastructure—including the Nusuk digital platform, high-speed rail, and simplified visa processes—while highlighting Tabung Haji’s strategic collaboration with Saudi authorities. Both nations emphasized a shared vision of enhancing spiritual tourism through innovation, efficiency, and mutual cooperation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Madinah Hosts Global Delegates as Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025 Kicks Off Under Saudi Patronage

The sacred city of Madinah opened its doors on Tuesday to delegates from the Islamic world, marking the official launch of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025, a three-day event running from April 15 to 17. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Al-Madinah Region, presided over the inauguration, welcoming religious scholars, government officials, and industry experts to collectively explore the future of pilgrimage services and spiritual hospitality.

Representing Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh Bin Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Tourism and Services at Lembaga Tabung Haji, delivered a keynote address applauding Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking transformation of its pilgrimage ecosystem. He praised the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for implementing impactful reforms that have not only expanded access and improved efficiency but also preserved the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage experience.

Highlighting notable advancements, he pointed to the launch of the Nusuk digital platform, ka hoonui ana o high-speed rail connectivity, a maʻalahi nā kaʻina hana visa—all contributing to a modern, seamless journey for Umrah pilgrims. These developments, he noted, are perfectly aligned with the hihio kana i ike 2030 blueprint, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to delivering a people-centric, innovative model of religious tourism.

Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh further underscored the enduring bond between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, spotlighting the collaborative role of Tabung Haji in working closely with Saudi authorities to support Malaysian pilgrims. He emphasized that this partnership is rooted in mutual spiritual values and long-established trust, enabling pilgrims from Malaysia to enjoy high-quality care and streamlined logistical services throughout their sacred journey.

In addition, he called upon global stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on health and safety protocols, embrace technological innovation, and invest in infrastructure development to ensure the continued dignity, safety, and comfort of pilgrims from all nations.

Concluding his address, he reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering dedication to advancing pilgrimage services through collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the broader Islamic world. His vision is to make religious travel more sustainable, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling for generations to come.

Saudi Arabia and Malaysia joined forces at the 2025 Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah to elevate global pilgrimage and travel services through innovation and partnership. The event highlighted strategic cooperation, technological advancements, and a shared vision for enhancing the spiritual journey for millions of pilgrims.

ka Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, hosted annually by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, continues to serve as a key global platform that fosters innovation, policy discourse, and unified efforts in the evolving realm of pilgrimage management.