Saudi Arabia rolls out 24/7 Hajj and Umrah hotline in 11 languages
Digital travel tools and guides improve pilgrim experience further
DUBAI – Saudi Arabia has strengthened its pilgrim support framework with a 24/7 unified helpline designed to assist Hajj and Umrah travellers at every stage of their journey.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has activated the hotline number 1966, offering continuous access to information, complaints handling and service-related assistance. The initiative comes as part of wider efforts to improve communication channels and ensure smoother experiences for millions of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom.
Support is now available around the clock, with services extended in multiple international languages to accommodate diverse groups of worshippers.
Hotline support
The unified helpline 1966 operates without interruption throughout the day and night, providing direct access to trained staff who handle queries through an integrated response system. Assistance is available in 11 languages, including Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Bengali, Hausa, Amharic and Hindi. According to official updates, calls are managed through a coordinated platform linked with relevant authorities, ensuring that information requests and complaints are processed efficiently.
The system is designed to speed up response times while maintaining service accuracy for pilgrims arriving from different countries.
Integrated services
Officials have confirmed that the contact centre is supported by modern infrastructure that distributes incoming calls based on staff expertise. This structure allows quicker handling of requests and more precise solutions for pilgrims facing issues during their stay.
The ministry has also enhanced wider support mechanisms, including a recently issued Umrah guide available in 16 languages, helping travellers prepare before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Digital access
In a further development, pilgrims can now use a digital visitor ID within Saudi Arabia, reducing the need to carry physical passports during movement. This step aims to simplify travel procedures and improve security checks across key locations. Together with the hotline service, these digital tools form part of a broader strategy to modernise pilgrim services and ensure easier access to essential support throughout the Hajj and Umrah experience.