Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has taken a significant step to improve the experience for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina, suspending contracts with over 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies. The move, announced in February 2026, follows a comprehensive review that revealed issues with service quality and non-compliance with established standards, impacting the vital Umrah pilgrimage experience.

The suspension affects nearly one-third of the 5,800 agencies previously operating within the sector, signaling a firm commitment by Saudi authorities to prioritize pilgrim welfare and ensure consistently reliable services. Affected agencies have been granted a 10-day grace period to address identified deficiencies and meet the required classification standards for contract reinstatement. Importantly, the suspension applies only to the issuance of new visas; pilgrims who have already secured valid visas or confirmed reservations will not experience disruption to their planned journeys.

Safeguarding Pilgrim Rights

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the primary objective of this action is to safeguard the rights of those performing Umrah and to guarantee a consistently high level of service. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of religious tourism, particularly as the Kingdom anticipates a continued increase in the number of international pilgrims each year. The Ministry aims to ensure that all agencies meet stringent requirements related to accommodation, transportation and overall support for pilgrims.

The Ministry highlighted that the decision is intended to ensure consistent, reliable services for pilgrims. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to improving service quality in the religious tourism sector, especially in anticipation of the increasing number of international pilgrims visiting the Kingdom for Umrah each year.

Broader Regulatory Adjustments

Beyond the Umrah agency suspensions, Saudi Arabia has implemented several other regulatory adjustments in early 2026. The National Center for Wildlife announced the official conclusion of the 2025–2026 hunting season on January 31, 2026, following a season conducted under newly implemented guidelines designed to promote sustainable wildlife management. These regulations, based on research and international best practices, aim to protect natural resources and maintain ecological balance, aligning with the Kingdom’s Environmental Law.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Global Events

Saudi Arabia continues to expand its presence on the global stage, hosting major international events. In the realm of sports, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first Australian Open title, adding to the Kingdom’s growing sports culture. Riyadh similarly hosted the WWE Royal Rumble event, with Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan emerging as winners, further showcasing Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in global entertainment and attracting international visitors.

Enhancements to Religious Services and International Cooperation

Within the religious sector, Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque introduced a dedicated Ramadan plan for women, strengthening efforts to accommodate the needs of female worshippers during the holy month. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to religious services. Indonesia is also enhancing the Hajj pilgrimage experience, announcing plans to deploy a record number of female officers to assist pilgrims during the 2026 season, reflecting a commitment to gender equality and pilgrim safety.

On the international stage, Pakistan has raised concerns over Israel’s recent ceasefire violations and called for the advance importation of food supplies ahead of Ramadan to alleviate pressure on its ports.

Economic Growth and Investment

Saudi Arabia’s Housing Ministry reported a significant milestone in 2025, offering more than 21,000 investment opportunities with a total contract value exceeding $3.35 billion. This highlights the Kingdom’s focus on expanding infrastructure and attracting both domestic and international investors, strengthening its position as a global economic hub.

These developments demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing various sectors, including religious tourism, wildlife conservation, sports, and economic growth. The regulatory steps taken in February 2026 underscore the Kingdom’s determination to maintain high standards of service, promote sustainability, and foster an environment conducive to investment and growth.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will continue to monitor the performance of Umrah agencies and enforce stringent quality control measures. The long-term impact of these changes on the pilgrim experience remains to be seen, but the initial steps demonstrate a clear commitment to prioritizing the needs and rights of those undertaking this important religious journey.

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