Tourism Thrives in Madinah with Huge Increase in Foreign Visitors

Published on November 25, 2025

As of mid-2025, with a 3.767 million, or 52.5 per cent increase, Madinah has also become one of the fastest-growing tourist cities in the world. According to the General Authority for Statistics, Madinah has earned the reputation for being the fastest growing city in the Middle East and the KSA, the Most Popular Middle East Destination. Thankfully for Madinah, the second quarter of 2025 also marks an unprecedented recovery. With a doubt, we will continue to monitor the results for the rest of the quarter.

The General Authority for Statistics has separated the 3.767 million tourists to 2.1 million international and 1.667 million from inside the KSA. With respect to international tourists in Madinah, most are females, with 1,133,000 international tourists comprising 53.9 per cent. Like the majority of the world, Madinah has a large population of international tourists, proving the religious peak seasons of Ramadan and Hajj, to be very fruitful for Madinah.

Madinah as a Religious and Cultural Tourism Destination

For Muslims around the globe, the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) is the second most sacred in the faith, and as such, the city holds significant importance. As a result, Madinah has always been a focal point for religious tourism and visits en masse, as people seek to pray and pay respects at the mosque. The increase in the number of religious tourists is two-fold; Madinah is both religious and historically significant.

Madinah has also become a focal point for tourism in Saudi Arabia as the country attempts to diversify its tourism offerings (beyond Hajj and Umrah). The city is now inviting for visitors interested in the rich history, architecture and culture of the Islamic civilisation. Apart from the mosque, the city is home to several sites of interest, including the historically significant Quba Mosque, the Qiblatain Mosque, and the famous region of Mount Uhud.

Expansion in the Number of International Tourists

An expanding global outreach is evidenced by the increase of the total visitors to Madinah City. The city is experiencing an unparalleled growth of visitors from Muslim Population Countries (MPC) such as: Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and visitors from Non-Muslim Countries. The city’s growth and tourist potential diversification is remarkable. The growth of visitors to Saudi Arabia can be attributed to the country’s recent “Vision 2030” initiative to open the country’s tourism to more nationalities.

Madinah City is also a growing tourist destination because of its new and modern facilities, luxury hotels, and transport systems (infrastructures) that appeal to a wide range of global travellers. Other tourist-related services that have been developed in the city include modern guided tours, shopping centers, and other activities that “enrich” the travel experience, and enable tourists to explore destinations other than religious activities.

Posted GASTAT data from Q2 2025 indicates that just above half of international visitors to Madinah, 53.9%, are international women. The rise of international women travelers reflects the trend of women’s active involvement in global tourism, religious tourism included. The female visitors in Madinah are likely Muslim women traveling for Umrah or Hajj, or women travelling for educational and cultural reasons.

The increase volume of female overseas visitors relates to the increasing presence of female employees in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry which has been bolstered by the Kingdom’s reforms on women’s mobility in tourism. These enable women to travel and partake in the public activities of tourism and encourage more family-centred tourism.

Madinah has been a popular destination for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, however, the city has been expanding its tourism offerings to sustain a year-round tourism season. Madinah has completed a range of infrastructure projects such as hotels, restaurants, and cultural centers that enable the city to serve guests even outside the major religious tourism events.

In the second quarter of 2025, the tourism industry in Madinah is demonstrating that the tourism industry can thrive and expand even in the absence of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. This growth is attracting an increasing proportion of visitors interested in secular forms of travel and multi-functional tourism, such as cultural heritage, culinary tourism, and other tourism services.

Infrastructure and Services for Tourists

Saudi Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure has benefited significantly from the initiatives in Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure. Madinah has received modern transportation facilities such as high-speed trains, and improved international and domestic airline services. Tourists can now easily reach the city and enjoy the attractions in the city. Moreover, Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport has been modernized to meet international standards to service a rising international clientele and to service international passengers.

The tourism accommodation industry has expanded with the establishment of a range of new hotels and guesthouses, including luxury hotels and new resorts that provide high levels of comfort to both pilgrims and other tourists. Many of these hotels are situated close to the major religious sites, and other cultural attractions, to enable tourists to enjoy the cultural and religious heritage.

The Pursuit of Eco-Friendly Travel in Madinah

With the rise in visitors to most parts of the world, Madinah wants to stay true to their distinct culture, religious practices, and traditions. Madinah hopes to optimize the positive sides of tourism, while protecting the land and culture. The city aims to get better at handling waste, conserving energy, and maintaining green areas.

Madinah is committed to maintaining a culture of eco-friendly practices, in preserving the culture, and allowing tourists to appreciate the ancient structures and their rich heritage. These practices will guarantee the city will continue to be a destination of choice for pilgrims and tourists for years to come.

Conclusion

The rising tourism numbers in Madinah, especially 3.7 M visitors in Q2 2025, illustrate the city’s growing importance as a dual religious and cultural tourism attraction. Considering the improved infrastructure and services as well as increasing popularity on the world stage, Madinah will keep on drawing all type of visitors and will help on the development of the tourism sector in the KSA and the Vision 2030. The newly international visitors as well as the diversification of tourism services Madinah offers will keep the region one of the most important travel destinations in the Middle East.