Hajj, Umrah forum to focus on Pilgrim Experience Program

The Kingdom is set to host the third Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition aimed at improving the pilgrim experience at the Two Holy Mosques.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the patronage of King Salman, the four-day event will take place from Jan. 8-11 at the Jeddah Superdome, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

It comes as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, a pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The conference will involve discussions on pilgrim services, aiming to enhance the quality of pilgrimages while enriching the religious and cultural experiences of visitors.

It will gather individuals interested in the Hajj and Umrah sector from the Kingdom and around the world.

Visitors can discover initiatives, products, services and projects, with the conference fostering collaboration, addressing challenges, and promoting innovation and creativity.

The event will also encourage investment in new solutions and technologies, as well as enhance skills to align with the development of the Hajj and Umrah sector.

Companies, Hajj missions, parties, service providers, entrepreneurs and officials will be able to showcase their Hajj products and services, are are encouraged to build sustainable partnerships that improve the pilgrim experience.

The forum aims to boost the competitiveness of entities and companies in the Hajj and Umrah sector, channeling capabilities to elevate service quality and options as part of the Saudi government’s commitment to pilgrim welfare.

A range of discussion panels across several sessions will cover key topics, including housing, logistics, healthcare, transportation, technology, artificial intelligence, water and energy solutions, all aimed at enhancing services for pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The ministry aims to create a sustainable system for pilgrim experience development, leveraging ideas from specialists across governmental and private sectors. This involves anticipating future trends, fostering partnerships and initiatives, engaging innovators and reviewing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance pilgrim services.

Last year’s Hajj and Umrah conference attracted more than 100,000 visitors, with 360 government and private entities taking part. The event also resulted in the signing of more than 200 agreements in the Hajj and Umrah sector.