Saudi Arabia Banks on Tech to Boost Pilgrimage Services
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is banking on technology and digital transformation to enhance services for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors from around the world, aiming to deliver a seamless and comfortable experience.
The ministry has made significant strides in digitizing procedures, using technology to simplify access and improve convenience for those visiting the Kingdom's holy sites.
This focus on innovation took center stage during the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum (UZF) in Madinah, officially inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Madinah. The event drew key figures and leading companies from the Hajj, Umrah, and hospitality sectors.
Panel discussions underscored the ministry's strategy of leveraging technology as a cornerstone in its efforts to improve the pilgrim experience, reflecting a broader national push towards digitalization across vital sectors.
Prince Salman underlined Saudi Arabia's deep commitment to the development of Makkah and Madinah, stressing the Kingdom's dedication to enhancing the religious, historical and cultural significance of the two holy cities.
Speaking at the forum, he said the Saudi leadership and people consider it an honor to serve the holy cities, a tradition upheld by the Kingdom's rulers since its founding.
'God has blessed this country, its people and its leadership with the privilege of serving the holy sites,' the prince said. 'Our leadership continues to lead in serving Islam and Muslims, ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims.'
People visit the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum (UZF). (UZF)
He highlighted that major projects, including the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and the ongoing development of services for pilgrims, reflect this commitment.
'These achievements are part of a prosperous era led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,' he added.
He also underscored the ongoing development of the Prophet's Mosque and surrounding Islamic heritage sites as part of a broader effort to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims and visitors, while reinforcing their connection to the life of the Prophet Mohammed.
Prince Salman said the upgrades aim to provide a meaningful and faith-aligned experience that reflects the Kingdom's humanitarian mission rooted in Islam, Arab heritage, and universal values of peace.
The forum, he continued, serves as a key platform for decision-makers, investors, innovators, and sector leaders from across Saudi Arabia and abroad to collaborate, exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and explore opportunities in the Umrah and visitation ecosystem.
The forum features more than 60 sessions and workshops, focusing on three pillars shaping the future of pilgrimage: aviation, smart cities, and the development of sacred sites. Discussions revolve around leveraging technology and transformative logistics to boost the visitor experience.
'This forum is a strategic platform to chart a new course for the future of Umrah and pilgrimage,' the governor said.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah underscored the pivotal role of digital transformation in streamlining services for pilgrims, citing significant progress in digital platforms aimed at enriching the spiritual journey to the Kingdom's holy sites.
He noted the success of the Nusuk app, which now offers more than 100 services and has attracted over 18 million users.
He said the app, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's digital Hajj and Umrah strategy, allows users to book permits for Umrah, access to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, Haramain High-Speed Railway tickets, and browse through the integrated 'Nusuk Market.'
It also includes a rich selection of historical sites, cultural destinations, and museums to enrich the pilgrim experience.
Al-Rabiah pointed to the concrete results of this digital drive, revealing that in the first quarter of 2025, more than 6.5 million Umrah performers and visitors arrived from outside the Kingdom—an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.
He also highlighted improvements to the experience of visiting Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, where daily capacity has tripled since 2022 to accommodate over 52,000 visitors per day.
Moreover, satisfaction rates have climbed from 57% in 2022 to 81% in 2024, he added, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to empower and facilitate the journey of pilgrims.
The UZF serves as a key platform for shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's pilgrimage services, said Amr Al-Maddah, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Pilgrim Services.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Maddah said the forum helps define strategic priorities for the Umrah and visitation ecosystem, with a clear aim of bolstering the experience for visitors and pilgrims.
He noted that the event also functions as a marketplace, facilitating partnerships between companies and agents, boosting sector competitiveness, and honoring high-performing service providers.
It also provides clarity on operational mechanisms for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
On the role of technology, Al-Maddah emphasized that digitalization remains the cornerstone of the ministry's approach to improving service delivery.
'With Saudi Arabia's advanced digital infrastructure and the ministry's adoption of cutting-edge technologies, we are focused on raising the quality of services provided to pilgrims,' he stressed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact
RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind. From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices. Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season. Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether. One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia's move away from disposable plastics. 'We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,' Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News. Although the company will not be directly involved in this year's pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj. 'We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,' he said. 'These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.' Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability. 'Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,' he said. 'By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia's broader sustainability vision.' • 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled. • Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life. • Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution. • By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish. While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom. One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets. By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources. 'The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,' said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency. As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices. By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Spanish Muslims retrace ancient Hajj route on horseback from Andalusia to Makkah
CAIRO: Three Spanish pilgrims performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia rode on horseback to Makkah, traveling thousands of kilometers in snow and rain and along a path they said had not been trekked for more than 500 years. Abdelkader Harkassi Aidi, Tarek Rodriguez and Abdallah Rafael Hernandez Mancha set out from southern Spain in October, riding through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan to arrive in Saudi Arabia in May. It was an emotional moment for the trio when they reached Makkah. No pilgrim had traveled this way since 1491, they said. Harkassi said the group's path from Spain took them across about 8,000 kilometers (nearly 5,000 miles) before they reached the Kaaba, the black cube structure in the Grand Mosque in Makkah. 'We had crossed so many kilometers to be there and Allah had replied to our wish,' he told The Associated Press on Thursday from Arafat, southeast of Makkah. 'We were in front of the Kaaba and had the opportunity to touch it. So, that 8,000 kilometers became nothing.' During their monthslong journey they came across scenic stretches of nature and historical landmarks in Syria, including the Aleppo Citadel and the Umayyad Mosque. They also found an old railway track built during the time of the Ottoman Empire that connected Istanbul to Saudi Arabia. They followed it for days to help guide them to the desert kingdom. But there were challenges, too. They lost their horses in Bosnia, only to find them later in a land mine zone. Nobody could fetch the horses because of the explosives, but the animals eventually made it out of the area unharmed, Harkassi said. The human element of the trip was the most valuable for the team, he added. 'When we didn't have anything, people helped us with our horses, with our food, they gave us money. When our assistance car got broken, they fixed it for us,' Harkassi said. 'People have been incredible. I think it's proof that Muslims are united, that the one ummah (nation) that every Muslim longs for is a reality.'
Saudi Gazette
7 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Over 23,000 buses deployed while Mashaer Train transports 604,000 pilgrims
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — More than 23,000 buses were deployed across three shuttle routes, supplemented by traditional modes of transportation during this year's Hajj, according to the control room at the Public Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. This effort, part of the largest transport fleet operating in a single area worldwide, achieved a record time for Tawaf Al-Ifadah, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and precise operational coordination. Moreover, the Mashaer Metro Train maintained its efficient performance, transporting over 604,000 pilgrims since its launch of operation for this year's Hajj on Tuesday. These were distributed across three main movements: Movement A with more than 27,000 passengers, Movement B with 283,000, and Movement C—the highest—with 294,000, reflecting the system's strong operational efficiency. In the health sector, the Ministry of Health continued to provide integrated services through its facilities across the holy sites. The number of health services provided exceeded 125,573, including advanced procedures such as 216 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries, all performed efficiently by qualified Saudi medical personnel. This outcome confirms the high level of health preparedness and the development of national medical capabilities. In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that it has conducted over 5.5 million electronic readings of the Nusuk Card as part of its technical plans to enhance pilgrim services and improve organizational safety. Meanwhile, the Pilgrims Care Center, through the unified number 1966, has provided more than 310,000 services since the beginning of the season, including inquiries and direct support. Additionally, field teams from the Compliance Centers have carried out over 65,000 inspection tours of service providers to reinforce compliance and improve performance quality. These integrated efforts reflect the strong coordination among various entities involved in Hajj, under the guidance of the wise leadership and in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to advance the Hajj system, harness modern technology, enhance the pilgrim experience, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe, organized environment prepared to the highest international standards.
