Makkah Deputy Emir inaugurates Hajj Conference and Exhibition

JEDDAH — Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal inaugurated on Sunday the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition at Jeddah Superdome. The four-day event is being held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. The conference, with the theme "From Makkah to the World," is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by several senior Saudi officials, heads of Hajj missions, and representatives of Hajj affairs offices from various countries of the Islamic world. The Deputy Emir of Makkah toured the accompanying exhibition, where he viewed the latest technologies, enriching initiatives, and smart solutions designed to enhance services for pilgrims. He also visited the pavilions of participating entities representing the governmental, private, and non-profit sectors.

In his address on behalf of King Salman, Prince Saud welcomed the attendees to their second home, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and conveyed the King's greetings."With God's help and guidance, Saudi Arabia continues its blessed efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims, placing this noble mission at the forefront of its priorities. The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to the continuous development of the Hajj system, enhancing service quality, harnessing the latest technologies, and strengthening integration among government agencies to facilitate the pilgrim's journey from departure until a safe return. The continued success of Hajj seasons stands as a testament to the readiness and high efficiency of the Hajj system," the deputy emir said, adding, the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition is one of the key enablers of this success, contributing to enhanced cooperation and joint coordination, the conclusion of agreements, and improved preparedness for the Hajj season.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted the most significant transformations in the Hajj and Umrah system. These included fostering competition, increasing the number of companies providing services to pilgrims from abroad to 34, expanding direct contracting to 58 countries, and extending Hajj access to pilgrims from an additional 75 countries through the Direct Hajj Program. He also highlighted early preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season in coordination with Hajj affairs offices in 78 countries, alongside the development of the holy sites and transportation infrastructure.

Dr. Al-Rabiah also highlighted the digital transformation that has driven the number of users of the "Nusk" platform and application to more than 70 million. He noted that the Hajj satisfaction rate reached 93 percent in 1447 AH, emphasizing that the Hajj Conference and Exhibition has evolved into a global platform for early preparations, forging partnerships, finalizing contracts, and advancing services.

The opening ceremony also featured an address on behalf of the heads of Hajj affairs offices, delivered by Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Indonesia Dr. Muhammad Irfan Yusuf. It also witnessed the launch of the Awareness and Training Forum and the Unified Staff Portal. During the ceremony, the Deputy Emir witnessed the signing of eight agreements and memoranda of understanding.

The exhibition, with participation and attendance from over 150 countries, spreads over 67,000 square meters and features more than 15 major zones and programs covering operations, knowledge exchange, technology, business, innovation, awareness, and training.