Makkah and Madinah Among World’s Top 10 Most Visited Cities in 2025: Religious Tourism Reaches New Heights

Makkah and Madinah have earned places among the world’s top 10 most visited cities in 2025, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a global hub for religious tourism. The latest international visitor rankings highlight the Kingdom’s continued success in attracting millions of Muslim pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah while expanding tourism under its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative.

Makkah Ranked Fifth, Madinah Seventh in Global Visitor Rankings

According to the latest 2025 international tourism figures, Makkah ranked as the fifth most visited city in the world, while Madinah secured seventh place. The impressive rankings reflect the increasing number of international travelers visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and Hajj.

The recognition further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for faith-based and religious tourism.

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Over 19.5 Million International Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia recorded a remarkable 19.5 million international pilgrims during 2025, demonstrating the growing global demand for religious travel.

The figures include:

• 18.03 million Umrah pilgrims
• Approximately 1.5 million Hajj pilgrims

The continued rise in visitor numbers highlights the Kingdom’s successful efforts to improve pilgrimage services and accommodate millions of worshippers each year.

International Umrah Visitors Increase by 114%

Saudi Arabia also reported a 114% increase in international Umrah visitors compared to 2022, showcasing the rapid expansion of religious tourism over the past three years.

The sharp growth has been supported by simplified visa procedures, expanded transportation networks, enhanced digital services, and major investments in infrastructure around the Two Holy Mosques.

Rawdah Al-Sharif Welcomes More Than 16 Million Visitors

Another major achievement came from Rawdah Al-Sharif in Madinah, where more than 16 million visitors were welcomed during 2025.

Authorities also reported an impressive 88% visitor satisfaction rate, reflecting ongoing improvements in crowd management, visitor services, digital booking systems, and the overall pilgrimage experience.

Vision 2030 Driving Saudi Tourism Growth

Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in religious tourism as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the country’s economy while enhancing the experience of pilgrims and international tourists.

Major infrastructure projects, smart digital services, improved transportation, and expanded accommodation facilities have all contributed to the Kingdom’s growing appeal as both a religious and global tourism destination.

Makkah and Madinah Strengthen Their Global Tourism Status

The latest rankings reaffirm the significance of Makkah and Madinah not only as the spiritual heart of Islam but also as two of the world’s most visited cities.

With record-breaking pilgrimage numbers, expanding tourism infrastructure, and continued investment under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is expected to further strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for international religious travel.