Nusuk Wallet: Saudi Arabia’s Digital Wallet for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia launched the Nusuk Wallet on June 3, 2024, the world’s first international digital wallet designed specifically for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with Saudi National Bank, it allows visitors to store and manage funds securely without carrying cash during their rituals.

What is the Nusuk Wallet?

The Nusuk Wallet is the first international digital wallet and bank card built exclusively for pilgrims. It was officially launched on June 3, 2024, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The platform helps users store and manage their expenses, supported by advanced banking infrastructure operated by Saudi National Bank through its NEO brand.

The wallet uses emerging technologies and encryption to secure financial transactions, the ministry stated. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah inaugurated the service alongside Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Maiman, executive director of Nusuk Business and digital experience director at the ministry, and Dr. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Furaih, CEO of Saudi National Bank’s digital business and payments company.

How does the Nusuk Wallet work for pilgrims?

The wallet provides a seamless financial experience while performing rituals and visiting Makkah and Madinah. In a statement published on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website, Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Maiman said: “The launch of Nusuk Wallet represents an important step toward improving the experience of the Guests of Rahman. Through this digital wallet, we seek to provide an innovative solution that makes it easier for them to manage their money safely and easily without the need to carry cash.”

Al-Maiman added that the launch achieves six milestones locally and internationally, as it is the first digital wallet and international bank card available for pilgrim use worldwide.

Who developed the digital wallet for pilgrims?

The project resulted from a partnership between two main entities:

• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: The regulatory body overseeing services for pilgrims.
• Saudi National Bank: The operator of the service through its NEO brand and provider of the banking infrastructure.

This collaboration sets a new standard for innovation in the region, offering pilgrims a reliable way to manage their finances, according to the PEP government platform.

What other digital services are available for visitors in Saudi Arabia?

Beyond the Nusuk Wallet, Saudi government agencies offer several digital tools for visitors and residents. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) enabled pilgrims to view their Hajj cards digitally via the Tawakkalna Services app, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, according to the SDAIA website.

SDAIA also implemented the digital resident identity project, an electronic version of the residency ID available on the Absher Individuals app to verify identity when the physical card is unavailable. Another initiative is the Makkah Route program, part of Vision 2030 launched by the Ministry of Interior, which completes entry procedures—including electronic visa issuance and biometric collection—in pilgrims' home countries.

These government services differ from financial wallets. SDAIA focuses on digital identity and verification, while the Nusuk Wallet handles financial transactions and fund storage.

What technical milestones has the Nusuk Wallet achieved?

According to official data, the wallet reached several milestones upon launch:

1. It is the world’s first international digital wallet dedicated to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
2. It issues an international bank card linked directly to the wallet.
3. It uses encryption technology to protect financial transactions.
4. It integrates with Saudi National Bank’s banking infrastructure via the NEO brand.
5. It achieved six local and international milestones, as stated by ministry officials.

Key facts about the Nusuk Wallet

• Launch date: June 3, 2024 (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
• Milestones achieved: Six local and international milestones (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
• Operator: Saudi National Bank through the NEO brand (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
• Service type: The world’s first digital wallet and international bank card for pilgrims (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)

What pilgrims should plan for next

Pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah should plan to use the Nusuk Wallet instead of carrying large amounts of cash. Follow official updates from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to learn which new countries will support the wallet in the future, particularly as technical preparations continue for the Makkah Route initiative, which has so far been implemented in Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Morocco.