Saudi Arabia and Malaysia Reinforce Partnership at Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025
By: Abdullah Bugis
Madinah, April 15 (2025)
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Al-Madinah Region, inaugurated the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2025, held from April 15 to April 17, bringing together senior officials, religious scholars, and industry leaders from across the Muslim world to strengthen international cooperation in pilgrimage services.
During the opening session, Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh Bin Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Tourism and Services Company of Lembaga Tabung Haji (Malaysia’s Hajj Pilgrims Fund Board), delivered a keynote address praising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in enhancing the pilgrimage journey for millions of Muslims worldwide. He commended the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the organizing committee for convening a global platform dedicated to knowledge exchange and service improvement.
According to Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh, recent developments such as the “Nusuk” platform, high-speed rail integration, and flexible visa policies have revolutionized the Umrah ecosystem, making it more efficient, inclusive, and spiritually enriching. He emphasized that these efforts, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, exemplify a forward-looking approach to religious tourism.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s close cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly through Lembaga Tabung Haji, which works in coordination with Saudi authorities to facilitate a seamless pilgrimage experience. This collaboration, he noted, is rooted in shared values and spiritual responsibility.
He further underscored the importance of continued international coordination in areas such as health standards, infrastructure development, and digital transformation to safeguard the dignity and well-being of pilgrims.
Dato’ Sri Syed Saleh concluded his address by reaffirming Malaysia’s enduring commitment to partnership with Saudi Arabia and other nations, aiming to elevate the quality and accessibility of pilgrimage services for future generations.
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is an annual initiative hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It serves as a strategic platform to promote innovation, policy dialogue, and intergovernmental cooperation in the development of the global pilgrimage sector.
