Medina, Saudi Arabia – A recent study by the Guests of revealed that 63% of pilgrims and visitors prefer shopping in Medina, underscoring the city’s growing appeal as a key destination for religious and cultural tourism.
This data was shared by Hammam Jreid, Executive Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Communication, during a panel discussion titled “The Promising Developmental and Competitive Destination of the City,” held at the Medina Investment Forum.
Jreid highlighted Medina’s transformation into a competitive economic hub in the region, emphasizing its strong performance in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and cultural tourism. He also noted that the city’s religious landmarks remain the primary draw for visitors, with the Prophet’s Mosque being the most visited site, followed by the Qiblatain Mosque and Martyrs’ Square, which attracted eight million visitors this year.
The Guests of Rahman Service Program aims to host 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030, with half of that goal already achieved in 2023. The program focuses on enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims while enriching their religious and cultural experiences.
According to data from the Medina Development Authority, the city welcomed over 14.1 million visitors in 2023, marking an increase of more than six million compared to 2022’s 8.2 million visitors.This growth aligns with the program’s objectives to transform Medina into a premier global destination for religious tourism.
Officials attributed the rise in visitor numbers to strategic initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding hospitality services, and promoting Medina’s unique religious and historical attractions.With its expanding role as a key tourist destination, Medina is poised to further support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
