Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 22-24 April, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs of Saudi Arabia is holding the first international forum “Umrah and Pilgrimage” in Medina, Dunyo news agency reports.

The purpose of the forum is to create more amenities and conditions for Umrah pilgrims and tourists visiting Mecca and Medina, as part of the implementation of the Vision 2030 program. The forum also showcased Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential and new destinations, drawing international attention to cities such as Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, AlUla, Al Ahsa and Abha.

The event is attended by delegations from more than 100 countries, including representatives of more than 300 travel companies, hotels, catering establishments, airlines and companies related to the tourism business. Representatives of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Jeddah also took part in the forum.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Tawfik al-Rabiah, and the Emir of Medina, Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, spoke at the opening ceremony of the forum.

The forum provided information on the tourism potential and development of the tourism industry in the kingdom, conditions created for receiving foreign guests, a convenient visa system, development of tourism infrastructure, diversification of tourist destinations, ensuring the safety of tourists, types of tourism, in particular pilgrimage, cultural and gastronomic . Tourist centers and ancient cities of the country were also presented.

This forum is a convenient platform for establishing business relationships, expanding the tourism business, and exchanging current information about pilgrimage tourism and innovations in the field of international tourism.

At the same time, it was noted that in recent years, the services provided to tourists in Saudi Arabia have been constantly improved and efforts are being made to gradually improve them.

As part of the forum, Uzbek diplomats held meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Al Rajhi Group corporation and the Marmara Group company, which is a partner of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

During the discussions, gratitude was expressed for the amenities and conditions provided to pilgrims from Uzbekistan, and the prospects for continuing this cooperation in the Umrah 2025 season were discussed.