<p>New Delhi: A total of 18 lakh Indian Muslims performed Umrah in 2023 —the third highest in the world, Saudi Arabia government officials said on Wednesday.</p>.<p>The officials said they anticipate a yearly increment in the number, according to an official statement issued by the country.</p>.<p>Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken any time of the year.</p>.<p>Indian Muslim Umrah performers ranked third highest among countries, reaching 18 lakh visitors, the officials said.</p>.<p>They did not mention the names of the top two countries accounting for the highest Umrah performers.</p>.<p>Highlighting the significance of India in the Umrah sector, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, made the first-ever visit to India in early December.</p>.PM Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince; leaders exchange views on West Asia situation.<p>The minister participated in an introduction meeting organised by the unified government platform 'Nusuk' from December 4 to 6. </p>.<p>The event showcased the platform's unique services and facilities to Muslim guests worldwide, with a special focus on those from India. Dr Al-Rabiah addressed concerns, proposed initial solutions, and set the stage for collaboration.</p>.<p>Nusuk has been launched by Saudi Arabia to streamline the process of obtaining electronic visas and automating access procedures for Umrah and visits to the Prophet's Mosque.</p>.<p>The platform engages in extensive partnerships through regional and international roadshows.</p>.<p>A representative from an Indian Travel and Tourism Agency emphasised that Nusuk will significantly contribute to facilitating Umrah for Indian visitors, elevating service standards.</p>.Saudi Arabia taking measures to ensure more fulfilling journey for Indian Hajj, Umrah pilgrims.<p>Hasan Al-Dabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the platform's role in developing an integrated ecosystem for the Umrah sector.</p>.<p>This allows the private sector in Saudi Arabia and globally, particularly in India, to serve the guests of the Rahman, benefiting from the platform's services, he said.</p>.<p>Since its launch, Nusuk has empowered the private sector by sharing data, providing training courses, and strategically connecting service providers with visitors.</p>
<p>New Delhi: A total of 18 lakh Indian Muslims performed Umrah in 2023 —the third highest in the world, Saudi Arabia government officials said on Wednesday.</p>.<p>The officials said they anticipate a yearly increment in the number, according to an official statement issued by the country.</p>.<p>Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken any time of the year.</p>.<p>Indian Muslim Umrah performers ranked third highest among countries, reaching 18 lakh visitors, the officials said.</p>.<p>They did not mention the names of the top two countries accounting for the highest Umrah performers.</p>.<p>Highlighting the significance of India in the Umrah sector, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, made the first-ever visit to India in early December.</p>.PM Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince; leaders exchange views on West Asia situation.<p>The minister participated in an introduction meeting organised by the unified government platform 'Nusuk' from December 4 to 6. </p>.<p>The event showcased the platform's unique services and facilities to Muslim guests worldwide, with a special focus on those from India. Dr Al-Rabiah addressed concerns, proposed initial solutions, and set the stage for collaboration.</p>.<p>Nusuk has been launched by Saudi Arabia to streamline the process of obtaining electronic visas and automating access procedures for Umrah and visits to the Prophet's Mosque.</p>.<p>The platform engages in extensive partnerships through regional and international roadshows.</p>.<p>A representative from an Indian Travel and Tourism Agency emphasised that Nusuk will significantly contribute to facilitating Umrah for Indian visitors, elevating service standards.</p>.Saudi Arabia taking measures to ensure more fulfilling journey for Indian Hajj, Umrah pilgrims.<p>Hasan Al-Dabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the platform's role in developing an integrated ecosystem for the Umrah sector.</p>.<p>This allows the private sector in Saudi Arabia and globally, particularly in India, to serve the guests of the Rahman, benefiting from the platform's services, he said.</p>.<p>Since its launch, Nusuk has empowered the private sector by sharing data, providing training courses, and strategically connecting service providers with visitors.</p>