As the number of Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah continues to rise, authorities have advised pilgrims to choose optimal times for performing the rites in order to avoid overcrowding and enhance their experience.

The General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques has specified the best hours to undertake Umrah rituals, which include circling the Holy Kaaba and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

According to the authority, the ideal times to perform Umrah are from 6 AM to 8 AM, 12 PM to 2 PM, and 2 AM to 4 AM. This guidance aims to help worshippers complete their rituals with greater ease and tranquility.

The current Umrah season, which allows for pilgrimage throughout the year, began in late June following the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which attracted approximately 1.8 million participants from around the world. Last year, over 13 million Muslims performed Umrah, with plans to increase that number to 15 million in the coming year.

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In a bid to facilitate easier access for pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has introduced several measures, including extending the Umrah visa from 30 to 90 days and allowing women to undertake the pilgrimage without the need for a male guardian.

Various entry visa holders, such as those on personal, visit, or tourism visas, can now also perform Umrah and visit the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) tomb in Medina after securing an appointment online.

These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the Umrah experience for Muslims worldwide.