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Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026

08–11 NOV 2026· 4 days · In person

Daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Jeddah Superdome · Jeddah

Free

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About the event

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition is an international event dedicated to Hajj and Umrah services, hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah at the Jeddah Superdome. Now in its sixth edition, it is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, with the theme "From Makkah to the World".

The event combines a conference zone with keynote and panel sessions, the Hajj Talk majlis, specialised workshops, an international exhibition for local and global entities, an agreements-signing platform, and an innovation and startups zone. Its tracks cover security and safety, healthcare, media, technology and innovation, transport and logistics, housing and hospitality, catering, development and sustainability, the third sector, training, and enriching the pilgrim experience. It is aimed at decision makers, government entities, international organisations, the private sector, academics, researchers and pilgrim service companies.

Entry requires visitor registration on the official website, providing name, email, phone, nationality, job title, company and a personal photo, after which the visitor receives an entry code and an e-badge. The event also has an official app for exploring exhibitors, following sessions and workshops, and planning the visit.

Agenda

163

10:30–11:30Workshop: Al Arabiya at Hajj: An Extraordinary JourneyClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Al Arabiya This workshop addresses the behind-the-scenes of Al Arabiya’s Hajj coverage, from newsroom planning to fieldwork in the Holy Sites, and the correspondent’s skills in live coverage, human storytelling and handling live broadcast challenges, through real experiences and field situations.
10:30–11:30Workshop: Institutional and Operational Excellence in the Hajj and Umrah Operations SystemClassification: Enriching the Experience Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah This workshop addresses modern concepts and practices of operational excellence, and their role in raising performance efficiency and improving the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah
10:30–11:30Workshop: Strengthening the Security and Safety of the Guests of Allah: Facilitation, Awareness, and Crisis and Risk ManagementClassification: Security and Safety Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior King Fahd Security College This workshop addresses facilitation and awareness in serving the Guests of Allah, national security, the protection of the Guests of Allah, and crisis and risk management within the Hajj and Umrah system.
10:30–11:30Workshop: Makkah's Scent Identity: A New Sensory Dimension in the Pilgrim ExperienceClassification: Experience Enrichment Organizing Entity: Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites This workshop addresses the concept of a city scent identity and a methodology for building one for Makkah drawn from its history, culture and sensory memory, applied as a new sensory dimension in public spaces and hospitality facilities that enriches the pilgrim experience.
12:30–13:30Workshop: The Digital Journey of the Guests of AllahClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Elm Company This workshop addresses key technologies and their impact on ensuring an easier journey for the Guests of Allah.
12:30–13:30Workshop: Entrepreneurship in the Hajj and Umrah Sector: Opportunities and ChallengesClassification: Entrepreneurship Organizing Entity: Rifd Business Circle 100 Initiative This workshop addresses the real opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Hajj and Umrah system, from a map of opportunities in catering, hospitality, transport and digital platforms to building a business model, regulatory requirements and managing seasonality, with roundtables where participants present their ideas to specialist advisors.
12:30–13:30Workshop: The Secure Digital Journey of the PilgrimClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: General Department of Cybersecurity in Collaboration with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE). This workshop addresses raising cybersecurity awareness and introducing security policies and controls and the most prominent threats and risks, contributing to a secure digital Hajj journey and the protection of the Guests of Allah.
12:30–13:30Workshop: Contract Dispute Resolution in Hajj Services: Preventive Methods and Alternative Dispute ResolutionClassification: Enriching the Experience Organizing Entity: Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration This workshop addresses resolving disputes in Hajj service contracts, the preventive methods that limit contractual disputes before they escalate, and alternative dispute resolution options that ensure speed, confidentiality and fairness between parties.
13:00–13:45Hajj Talk: Crowd Management, Mobility, Infrastructure and Operational ResilienceThe session presents specialized research contributions on crowd management, mobility, infrastructure and operational resilience in the Hajj ecosystem, through scientific papers addressing smoother movement and more efficient facilities and services. It also discusses using research models and innovative solutions to develop planning and operations, strengthen infrastructure readiness and sustain the services provided to the Guests of Allah.
13:45–14:30Hajj Talk: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Serving the Guests of AllahThe session presents specialized research contributions on using artificial intelligence and digital transformation to serve the Guests of Allah, through scientific papers addressing data analytics, predictive models and smart digital solutions. It also discusses ways to turn research outputs into practical applications that support decision-making, strengthen digital integration, and raise service efficiency and the quality of the experience of the Guests of Allah.
14:30–14:45Hajj Talk: The Field Role and Its Impact on Changing Behaviour and Strengthening Awareness among the Guests of AllahThis Keynote Speech highlights the role of field personnel in guiding the Guests of Allah, correcting behaviours and promoting compliance with instructions, thereby raising awareness and improving the Hajj experience.
14:45–15:00Hajj Talk: Environmental Awareness for Pilgrims and Sustainability ManagementThis keynote aims to highlight the importance of enabling pilgrims to adopt responsible environmental behaviours during the Hajj season, through digital awareness campaigns, interactive educational programmes and technical tools that help measure and reduce the individual carbon footprint. The session will also address global best practices in environmental awareness at mass gatherings, and present innovative local solutions that can be integrated into the Hajj system.
15:00–15:20Hajj Talk: Towards an Integrated Healthcare System Supporting the Journey of the Guests of AllahThis keynote session explores how the healthcare sector can transition from seasonal emergency response to an integrated healthcare system built on early preparedness, connecting prevention, emergency care, hospital services, and follow-up care through data, technology, and interagency coordination. Dr. Fouziyah Aljarallah shares a leadership perspective on enhancing healthcare readiness, standardizing care pathways, and strengthening public-private partnerships to ensure the safety of the Guests of Allah, improve their overall experience, and sustain healthcare services throughout the Hajj seasons.
15:30–16:30Workshop: Creating Creative Impact: From Idea to ContentClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Ministry of Media Saudi Media Academy This workshop addresses ways to develop creative ideas and turn them into impactful content, using creative tools and modern technologies to strengthen the appeal, effectiveness and reach of content.
15:30–16:30Workshop: Initial Medical Response to EmergenciesClassification: Healthcare Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior Medical Services This workshop addresses the principles of initial medical response to emergencies and the basics of first aid, as an essential skill rather than a luxury, for everyone serving the Guests of Allah or present at gathering sites.
16:00–16:30Hajj Talk: Computer Vision Systems for Food Waste Management - "Pre-Recorded Video"The speaker discusses how computer vision technologies can be used to measure food waste automatically in high-volume kitchens, without manual scanning or adding new burdens on work teams. He also discusses the results of applying these technologies and the practical requirements for starting to apply them within the pilgrim catering system, one of the largest food-service operations in the world, and the operational, economic and environmental costs of surplus production at this scale.
16:30–16:50Hajj Talk: The Mowaridi Platform: Towards a More Efficient and Sustainable Catering SystemThe keynote presents the "Mowaridi Platform", launched by His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing through a partnership between Al Balad Al Ameen Company and Sary. It is the unified Saudi digital platform for organizing and managing food supply chains in Makkah, serving as an operating model and an integrated e-marketplace that connects suppliers with kitchens, catering companies and relevant entities in a single digital environment, enabling order management, real-time operations tracking and accurate data to support decision-making.
16:50–17:00Hajj Talk: "Global Halal Mark": Compliance that Brings Peace of Mind to PilgrimsThe keynote highlights the role of the ""Global Halal Mark"" in strengthening the compliance of food products with quality requirements and standards, and in reinforcing pilgrims' trust in their safety and reliability during the Hajj season. It also reviews the efforts of the Saudi Halal Center in developing compliance standards and verifying product conformity, and in using digital solutions to enhance transparency and reliability, helping to raise product quality and give pilgrims greater peace of mind and comfort during their journey and while performing their rituals. Global Halal Mark: Compliance that Builds Trust and Peace of Mind for Pilgrims
17:00Reception and registration open
17:00–17:20Hajj Talk: From the Challenge of Space to Pilgrim Comfort: Innovation in Designing Sleeping Solutions for Mina CampsThe session reviews the experience of private-sector partners in the Hajj system in using their expertise in design, manufacturing and furniture development to create innovative sleeping solutions and beds for the Mina camps, based on an understanding of pilgrims' needs and the challenges of limited space and its efficient use.
17:20–17:40Hajj Talk: Volunteer Healthcare in Serving PilgrimsThis keynote highlights the historical journey of health volunteering in Hajj and how national passion has been transformed into a strategically enabled system. The session presents inspiring success stories, analyses the economic impact and its role in raising spending efficiency, and looks ahead to a sustainable future for volunteer work.
18:00–19:00Workshop: How Do We Make News in the Age of AI?Classification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Ministry of Media Saudi Press Agency Academy This workshop addresses how news content is produced using AI and digital editing tools, turning news into innovative, fast-reaching material while focusing on credibility and the impact of the media message.
18:00–19:00Workshop: Community Partnership and Volunteering in Serving the Guests of AllahClassification: The Third Sector Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior General Department of Human Resources
20:00–21:00Workshop: Safe Medical Care and Evacuation in Crowded AreasClassification: Healthcare Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior Medical Services This workshop addresses strengthening the ability to respond to medical emergencies in crowded areas and mass gatherings, and the foundations of safe medical care and evacuation, based on the premise that every minute can make a difference and every correct action can save a life.
Opening ceremony: royal salute, welcome address and opening session

10:30–12:00Workshop: How Do Entities Deal with Negative Phenomena in the Hajj Season? Monitoring and ResponseClassification: Infrastructure and Facilities Management Organizing Entity: Holy Makkah Municipality This workshop addresses the risks of negative phenomena that may emerge during the Hajj season and their impact on pilgrims’ safety and comfort, and the mechanisms for monitoring, preventing and treating them through coordination among relevant entities.
10:30–12:00Workshop: From Sound to Image: Producing Media Content from the Hajj FieldClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: SBA Academy This workshop addresses the skills of producing media content from the Hajj field, from capturing the story and sound on site, through preparing reports and interviews, to delivering integrated broadcast-ready content.
10:30–12:00Workshop: Enriching the Madinah Visitor's Experience During the StayClassification: Enriching the Experience Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Madinah Branch This workshop addresses the historical and Islamic sites of significance in Madinah and ways to introduce visitors to them and encourage visits during their stay, enriching their experience in the city.
10:30–12:00Workshop: Housing the Guests of Allah: Towards Integrated Hospitality in Makkah and MadinahClassification: Housing and Hospitality Organizing Entity: Umm Al-Qura University This workshop addresses opportunities to enrich pilgrims’ experience inside their residences in Makkah and Madinah by leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, virtual and augmented reality, interactive screens and smart applications, while respecting their diverse cultures and languages.
11:00–12:00Serving the Guests of Allah: An Integrated National EcosystemThis session discusses the integration of the Hajj ecosystem and its partnerships in serving the Guests of Allah; the preparation of upcoming plans with government and executive entities in security, health, transport, housing, tourism and media; the coordination of joint cooperation mechanisms; the assessment of readiness for the 1448 AH season; and the identification of strategic directions that support better operational performance, workforce qualification and an enriched pilgrim experience.
12:30–12:50Smart Technologies and Integrated Security for the Guests of AllahThis session reviews the role of modern technologies and digital transformation in enhancing the security and safety of the Guests of Allah through the development of smart security systems and the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to support decision-making and raise the efficiency of field operations. It also addresses the integration of technical systems across the security and service sectors, and their role in strengthening readiness, proactive response, and crowd and risk management, contributing to the development of an integrated security system that keeps pace with the requirements of future Hajj seasons.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Hajj Season Readiness: Early Measurement, Proactive TestingClassification: Infrastructure and Facilities Management Organizing Entity: Pilgrim Experience Program Hajj Project Management Office This workshop addresses the gap between completed plans and actual readiness of the Hajj system, offering a practical methodology to measure, test and anticipate readiness gaps: roles, inter-entity dependencies, early-warning indicators, business continuity and critical scenarios.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Pilgrims’ Rights in Digital Services: The Legislative Framework and the Responsibility of Service ProvidersClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah This workshop addresses the legislative frameworks governing AI in Hajj services, its intersection with the civil liability of service providers, and the protection of pilgrims’ rights at every touchpoint, building a safe digital environment that defines responsibilities arising from smart systems.
12:30–14:30Workshop: The Ritual, the Place and the People: Non-Profit Sector Partnerships to Enrich the Experience of the Guests of AllahClassification: The Third Sector Organizing Entity: Ministry of Tourism This workshop addresses the role of the non-profit sector and local community in shaping the pilgrim experience, moving from service delivery to partnership in an experience that extends from performing the rituals to discovering the place, its history and culture, through practical and sustainable initiatives and partnerships.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Strategic Integration among Entities in the Hajj SystemClassification: Security and Safety Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Public Security
12:50–13:35Health Services for the Guests of Allah: From Readiness to CareThis session addresses the health system during the Hajj season through three integrated tracks: food and drug oversight, care delivery within the Holy Sites, and medical supply chain management. It highlights the technical solutions, data and early-warning capabilities that raise response efficiency and enhance pilgrim safety.
13:35–13:55Prevention Readiness and Emergency Response in HajjThis session discusses the role of Civil Defense in protecting the Guests of Allah from a field-leadership perspective, reviewing the prevention and rescue system in the Holy Sites, the readiness of teams and equipment, and rapid response to emergencies, ensuring crowd safety and service continuity during the Hajj season.
13:45–14:30Hajj Talk: Governance, Legislation, Institutional Integration and Service QualityThe session presents specialized research contributions on governance, legislation and institutional integration in the Hajj ecosystem, through scientific papers addressing the development of regulatory frameworks, stronger coordination among entities and higher service quality. It also discusses ways to use research outputs to improve institutional performance and develop policies and practices that support the quality and sustainability of services provided to the Guests of Allah.
13:55–14:55Governance of Regulations and Bylaws to Enhance the Quality of Services Provided to the Guests of Allahملف التقنية والإعلام ملف التقنية والإعلام 90% 9 I23:I30 This session addresses the governance of the regulations and bylaws that govern the Hajj sector and their role in raising the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah through a system of licensing, oversight and accountability based on measurable standards. It also reviews regulatory integration across the Hajj, labor, media and tourism sectors, and the entities responsible for developing Makkah and the Holy Sites and for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, and the role of the Pilgrim Experience Program in unifying quality standards and measuring the performance of the services system. This session addresses the governance of the regulations and bylaws that govern the Hajj sector and their role in raising the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah through a system of licensing, oversight and accountability based on measurable standards. It also reviews regulatory integration across the Hajj, labor, media and tourism sectors, and the entities responsible for developing Makkah and the Holy Sites and for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, and the role of the Pilgrim Experience Program in unifying quality standards and measuring the performance of the services system. This session addresses the governance of the regulations and bylaws that govern the Hajj sector and their role in raising the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah through a system of licensing, oversight and accountability based on measurable standards. It also reviews regulatory integration across the Hajj, labor, media and tourism sectors, and the entities responsible for developing Makkah and the Holy Sites and for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, and the role of the Pilgrim Experience Program in unifying quality standards and measuring the performance of the services system. I23 through I30 Banner hiddenAnonymous Rhino has joined the document.
14:30–14:45Hajj Talk: AI-Enabled Behavioural Communication to Maximize the Impact of Pilgrim AwarenessThe keynote discusses a practical framework for developing the awareness system by drawing on the principles of behavioural communication and artificial intelligence applications as supporting tools. This contributes to designing more effective awareness messages, promoting positive behavioural change and measuring the impact of awareness initiatives, ultimately enhancing the pilgrim experience in line with the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.
14:45–15:00Hajj Talk: The Future of Training and EmpowermentThe keynote reviews the future of training and empowerment amid rapid changes in work environments, and the role of developing skills and human capabilities in raising efficiency and readiness for future requirements. It also highlights the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in developing training methods and building high-quality programmes that respond to changing needs, as well as strengthening partnerships and adopting sustainable models for empowerment and human capability development.
15:10–15:30The Guests of Allah’s Journey from Ports of Entry to the Holy SitesThis session addresses the journey of the Guests of Allah from arrival at the Kingdom’s ports of entry until transfer to the Holy Sites, reviewing the role of the General Directorate of Passports in managing entry and exit procedures, and the impact of facilitation initiatives and digital solutions in reducing waiting times and absorbing seasonal peaks, to ensure a safe and well-organized experience.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Crowd and Transport Modeling in Makkah and the Holy SitesClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites This workshop addresses the use of modeling, simulation and geospatial data to anticipate crowd and transport scenarios in Makkah and the Holy Sites, and how data integration among entities supports evaluating operational alternatives and improving plans.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Excellence of International Hajj Agencies: Development Opportunities and Masar UpdatesClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah This workshop addresses the experience of organizers and foreign Hajj agencies last season, their main challenges and successful practices, followed by the Nusuk Masar platform updates for the 1448H season that address these challenges.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Social Responsibility of SMEs in the Hajj and Umrah Sector According to ISO 26000Classification: Entrepreneurship Organizing Entity: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization This workshop addresses the adoption of social responsibility principles under ISO 26000 by SMEs in the Hajj and Umrah sector, offering a practical framework to integrate them into operational strategies in line with the sector’s specific nature.
15:30–17:30Workshop: From Experience to Excellence: The Development Journey of the Hospitality Center Leaders Qualification ProgramClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Licensing and Training Workers Center This workshop addresses the development journey of the Hospitality Center Leaders Qualification Program as an extension of the 1447H season, from building a unified guide of job descriptions and competencies and updating the training kits for the nine tracks, to engaging service-provider partners in the updated program ahead of the 1448H season.
15:45–16:00Transport Operations Management in the Hajj SeasonThis session addresses the operational preparations required to manage the transport of the Guests of Allah during the Hajj season and to raise the efficiency of movement between Makkah and the Holy Sites. It also reviews field-coordination mechanisms, peak-time management and response to changing conditions, ensuring the safety of pilgrims, the smooth flow of their movement and the quality of their experience.
16:00–16:45From Growth to Sustainability: Developing the Sectors Serving the Guests of AllahThis session discusses the transformation of the sectors serving the Guests of Allah and rising quality expectations, and what Hajj companies and operating entities need in order to move towards sustainable growth: flexible business models, diversified funding sources, strategic partnerships and institutional governance. With the participation of leaders from financial, hospitality and urban development groups, it also examines the impact of the regulatory environment in enabling expansion.
17:00–17:10Awareness and Skills Development in Serving the Guests of AllahThe keynote discusses the future of awareness and skills development in serving pilgrims, and their role in raising the readiness of staff and volunteers and improving service quality. It reviews how awareness methods have evolved from conveying information to building awareness, behaviour and practice; developing field and operational skills; and strengthening integration among awareness programmes, training and institutional partnerships, contributing to higher efficiency and a better experience.
17:20–17:45The Impact of Training on Shaping the Pilgrim ExperienceThe session discusses the impact of training on raising workforce readiness and improving the pilgrim experience by linking training programmes to the needs of the pilgrim journey and the requirements of field operations. It reviews the development of operational and behavioral skills, handling different field situations, developing training standards, strengthening integration among entities, and measuring the impact of training through performance indicators, beneficiary satisfaction and service quality.
18:00–18:30From Service to Awareness: How Do Companies Create a Better Pilgrim Experience?The session discusses the role of companies and service providers in creating an integrated experience for pilgrims by understanding their needs and making use of direct touchpoints to enhance awareness and service quality. It reviews the use of technology and innovation to embed awareness in the pilgrim journey, strengthening integration among entities to unify messages, and measuring the impact of services and awareness on pilgrim satisfaction to develop the experience continuously.
18:00–18:10Hajj Talk: The ""Passenger with No Bag Service"" From Strategic Vision to Field ImplementationThis keynote highlights the story of the field implementation of the "Traveller Without a Bag" initiative, showing how strategic frameworks and governance rules were turned into a successful operating model. The speaker discusses lessons learned from managing and facilitating the movement of pilgrims' baggage, operational integration with relevant entities, and how the initiative has eased the burden on pilgrims and raised the quality of their experience from arrival to departure.
18:00–19:30Workshop: How Can Artificial Intelligence Elevate the Experience of the Guests of Allah?Classification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Moasherat Company This workshop addresses the role of artificial intelligence in measuring the satisfaction of the Guests of Allah and analyzing their feedback throughout their journey, from multilingual, multichannel data collection, feedback and sentiment analysis and complaint classification, to smart evaluation of service providers’ performance and satisfaction prediction, while reviewing key implementation challenges such as data quality, privacy and human verification.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Enriching the Pilgrim Experience in the Domestic Pilgrims Service SectorClassification: Enriching the Experience Organizing Entity: Coordinating Council for Domestic Hajj Service Establishments This workshop addresses how domestic pilgrim service establishments can move from basic service delivery to an integrated experience that touches pilgrims’ spiritual, cognitive and human needs, drawing on practices implemented in previous seasons.
18:00–19:30Workshop: How Entities Choose What to Build and Measure Its Value: AI Priorities in HajjClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: EY This workshop addresses the challenge of achieving real value from AI amid fragmented solutions, presenting a framework to reimagine business processes with AI based on a value blueprint, applied to a real Hajj process.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Communication System for Hajj Affairs OfficesClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for International Cooperation This workshop addresses how the communication system on the Nusuk Masar platform works for Hajj Affairs Offices, and how to use it to follow up on office tasks according to the 1448H season timeline.
18:10–18:40Hajj Talk: The ""Passenger with No Bag Service"" Redesigning the Pilgrim Journey"he ""Traveller Without a Bag"" Initiative: Redesigning the Pilgrim JourneyThe session reviews the ""Traveller Without a Bag"" initiative as a model that redesigns the pilgrim journey towards lighter, smoother travel. It discusses the pillars of system integration and the mechanisms for raising service reliability, highlighting the future of logistics services and their direct impact on enriching the pilgrim experience.
18:30–19:10Engineering Impact in Communication CampaignsThe session discusses the role of communication campaigns in moving from reach and spread to influencing public awareness and behaviour through clear, integrated messages. It reviews the importance of monitoring, analysis and real-time response in developing messages, integrating channels among entities, enhancing credibility and building trust, and turning awareness messages into actual practices that contribute to serving pilgrims.
18:40–19:10Hajj Talk: Digital and Field Integration in Guiding PilgrimsThis session highlights the spatial guidance system and the integration between field solutions and digital platforms in serving pilgrims. It discusses scout map applications, the Haram coding project, the unified addressing system from "Subul", and smart navigation solutions through the "Hudhud" app, providing pilgrims with a more accurate, smoother and safer journey.
19:10–07:40Cross-Cultural Awareness CommunicationThe session discusses designing effective awareness messages that take into account the linguistic and cultural diversity of pilgrims, moving beyond literal translation to the cultural localization of content. It reviews the role of language in the clarity of instructions and the understanding of messages, the importance of testing content before publication, and the contribution of academic and specialized institutions to developing communication practices that raise awareness and achieve the desired behaviour among pilgrims.
19:30–19:50Hajj Talk: The "Adahi" Project: Infrastructure Readiness and Sustainable Operational EfficiencyThe keynote reviews the readiness and efficiency of the infrastructure of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (sacrificial animals) to keep pace with growing demand. It also discusses developing facilities and raising operational capacity, environmental sustainability, and waste and risk management. The speaker further reviews ongoing efforts to develop the Adahi system, from managing operations and resources to making optimal use of its outputs, and the future of the infrastructure and the shift towards sustainable operations.
19:40–20:00From Training to Impact: Building Human Capabilities to Raise Service QualityThe session discusses the role of training in raising service quality within the Hajj ecosystem by linking training programmes to operational needs and direct interaction with pilgrims. It reviews workforce qualification and the development of technical and professional skills in the transport services sectors, training frontline staff, and measuring the impact of training on operational efficiency, service quality and the pilgrim experience.
19:50–20:10Hajj Talk: Jabal Al-Rahmah Cooling and Shading Project: Operational Integration and Field ReadinessThe session reviews the experience of developing Jabal Al-Rahmah and the distinctive projects carried out there to reduce the impact of heat stress on pilgrims and enhance their comfort and safety while performing the Hajj rituals, by improving the site's microclimate and developing the shading, cooling and support-services system. The session also highlights the main engineering, execution and operational challenges, the lessons learned from applying these solutions at a site distinguished by dense crowds and a unique character, and the role of integration between design, execution and operation in raising site readiness and improving the pilgrim experience.
20:00–21:00Workshop: Integrating Hospitality Services in the Hajj SystemClassification: Housing and Hospitality Organizing Entity: Makkah Construction and Development Company Makkah Hotel & Towers This workshop addresses integrating hospitality services in the Hajj system across the pilgrim journey from arrival to departure, and how coordination between hospitality, Hajj companies and service providers reduces service gaps and speeds up response.
20:00–21:00Workshop: From Capabilities to Impact: Activating the University Community’s Contribution to Serving PilgrimsClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Umm Al-Qura University This workshop addresses activating the university community’s contribution to serving pilgrims, building on Umm Al-Qura University’s experience, as participants map sector needs to university capabilities and produce an initial map of actionable opportunities.
20:00–21:00Workshop: Technical Integration among Hajj Entities: From Integration Request to Operation via the Unified PlatformClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah General Directorate of Hajj Systems and Data This workshop addresses the Unified Integrations Platform and its role in connecting Hajj entities’ systems and organizing data exchange, and the management of integration requests and their technical and operational requirements, enabling faster service to the Guests of Allah.
20:00–21:00Workshop: National Address Products and Applied Use Cases in the Hajj SeasonClassification: Transportation and Logistics Services Organizing Saudi Post | SPL This workshop addresses National Address products and their use cases in Hajj services, and how they enable entities to use spatial data in housing, transport and supply to improve service and operational efficiency.
20:10–20:30Hajj Talk: Renewable Energy Applications in High-Density EnvironmentsThe session presents an innovative model for converting the energy generated by pedestrian movement into electricity and real-time data, and the role of local partnerships in supporting the localization and application of these solutions. It also covers the field trial and evaluation of the technology in the Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh, and discusses opportunities to use it along high-density movement routes in the Holy Capital and the Holy Sites, supporting renewable energy applications and the smart use of crowd movement.

10:30–10:40Education, Research and Innovation for the Hajj EcosystemThe keynote speech highlights the role of education, scientific research, and innovation in advancing the Hajj ecosystem through building and utilizing accumulated national expertise to prepare future generations. It examines mechanisms for transforming Hajj knowledge and experiences into educational skills and values, while strengthening the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research in advancing knowledge and building sustainable national capabilities.
10:30–12:00Workshop: Designing Behavioral Interventions to Reduce Recurring Phenomena in HajjClassification: Enriching the Experience Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Imtithal Center This workshop addresses recurring phenomena and behaviors affecting the pilgrim journey through an applied lab, where participants move from monitoring and treating them after they occur to analyzing their causes and designing preventive behavioral interventions.
10:30–12:00Workshop: Bank Accounts for Hajj Affairs Offices: Procedures from Account Opening to the End of the SeasonClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Shared Services Deputy Ministry for International Cooperation and Partnerships This workshop addresses communication governance in multi-entity systems during the Hajj season, managing the communication landscape and distributing roles among entities to unify messages and reduce duplication and conflict that lead to media crises.
10:30–12:00Workshop: The Comprehensive Package and the Unified Contract: What’s New in Organizing Services for International Pilgrims for the 1448H Season?Classification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs This workshop addresses the transformation in organizing services for international pilgrims from service-based instructions to regulations arranged along the pilgrim journey, and the unified contractual framework of the comprehensive package and its clarity on rights and obligations, building a clear partnership between the Ministry and companies.
10:30–12:00Workshop: Developing a Unified Framework for Managing and Evaluating Emergency Scenarios in HajjClassification: Security and Safety Organizing Entity: Umm Al-Qura University Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research This workshop addresses the practical challenges entities face in Hajj emergency drills, such as differing evaluation models and weak documentation of lessons learned, presenting a unified model that manages the drill cycle from planning and scenario design to field evaluation and decision-supporting indicators.
10:40–11:20The Future of Smart Infrastructure and Sustainable OperationsThis session presents a set of specialized research studies on operational sustainability and smart infrastructure in the Hajj ecosystem, through scientific papers addressing the operational efficiency of facilities, resource management and the use of smart solutions to raise infrastructure readiness in the Holy Sites. It also discusses ways to translate research outputs into applied practices that support the sustainability of services provided to the Guests of Allah.
11:20–12:05From Vision to Impact: Performance Indicators and the Quality of Services for the Guests of AllahThis session reviews how Saudi Vision 2030 targets for serving the Guests of Allah are translated into measurable performance indicators and tangible impact on service quality. It discusses the role of strategic planning, project management and performance measurement in enhancing institutional efficiency, the use of data and business intelligence to track targets and strengthen accountability, and the future of data-driven planning and measurement in the Hajj ecosystem.
12:20–12:55Field Leadership for the Security and Safety of the Guests of AllahThis session addresses the role of field leadership in supporting the security and safety of the Guests of Allah during the Hajj season by reviewing the integration of roles among security and field entities, crowd-movement management, and the readiness of prevention, protection and response services. It also discusses proactive risk planning and the swift handling of emergencies and operational changes, ensuring pilgrim safety and service continuity in the Holy Sites.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Tour Guiding in the Pilgrim Journey: A Professional Path for GuidesClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Tourism This workshop addresses tour guiding as a professional path in serving pilgrims, the skills and responsibilities required to practice it professionally, and the requirements for joining it and obtaining a license and professional qualification.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Designing Digital Services for PilgrimsClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah This workshop addresses designing digital services for pilgrims and delivering them in innovative and reliable ways through digital transformation, ensuring quality and transparency and elevating the pilgrim experience.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Supply Chain Security in the Hajj Season According to ISO 28000Classification: Transportation and Logistics Services Organizing Entity: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization This workshop addresses supply chain security and the application of ISO 28000 to strengthen logistics security during the Hajj season, and how it helps entities protect shipments, reduce risks and improve operational security.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Developing Teamwork Skills in Serving the Guests of AllahClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Pilgrim Experience Program This workshop addresses teamwork skills among teams working across the pilgrim journey, from defining roles and improving communication to managing service handovers under time pressure, through simulations of real situations.
12:55–13:05Geospatial Intelligence and the Future of Decision-Making - "Pre-Recorded Video"This keynote speech reviews the role of geospatial intelligence in transforming spatial data into knowledge that supports understanding change, anticipating challenges and making more accurate decisions. It also highlights the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) with artificial intelligence and real-time data, and the opportunities this creates for improving planning, managing resources and building more efficient and sustainable solutions.
13:00–13:45Hajj Talk: Health, Safety and Medical Readiness in Hajj and UmrahThe session presents specialized research contributions on health, safety and medical readiness during the Hajj season, through scientific papers addressing the development of health services, stronger prevention and medical response, and more efficient use of health resources and personnel. It also discusses using research outputs and innovative solutions to improve health readiness and the quality of care provided to the Guests of Allah, enhancing their safety and peace of mind.
13:05–13:25Space Technologies and Geospatial Data: Advanced Analytics and Field ApplicationsThe session reviews the role of geospatial data and geographic analytics in moving from monitoring crowd movement to anticipating its patterns and predicting its paths, by using geospatial intelligence and predictive models to support decision-making and proactive response in high-density environments, and the potential these technologies offer for enhancing the smooth and safe movement of crowds.
13:25–13:50Smart Technologies and Digital Transformation in the Hajj EcosystemThe session reviews the role of technologies, digital solutions and artificial intelligence in supporting the digital transformation of services provided to pilgrims by employing smart solutions, strengthening digital integration, using data to anticipate needs and developing hospitality services, contributing to a smoother and more reliable experience in line with the Kingdom's aspirations to harness advanced technologies in serving pilgrims.
13:50–14:30Cloud Computing: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Transformation Journey in Serving the Guests of AllahThis session reviews the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s experience in migrating the Nusuk platform and the Hajj and Umrah Information Center entirely to cloud computing. The migration was completed without any disruption to pilgrims and Umrah performers, in an ecosystem that serves more than 20 million pilgrims and Umrah performers every year. Representatives of the Ministry and its public- and private-sector partners discuss how the transformation journey was managed, the performance, reliability and readiness it has delivered, and how it paves the way for AI-based services. The session also shares lessons learned with government entities planning a similar transformation.
14:30–14:50Developing the Pilgrim Experience: From Services to Integrated PackagesThe session reviews the development of services for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, from separate services to integrated packages that bring together the various elements of the Hajj journey and keep pace with their evolving expectations and needs. It discusses improving the quality and personalization of packages, innovation in service models, strengthening integration among service providers to ensure a seamless and distinguished experience, and expanding package offerings to support sustainable growth.
14:30–14:45Hajj Talk: Measuring Impact: The Experience of the Pilgrim Awareness Index ProjectThe keynote reviews the experience of the Pilgrim Awareness Index project, introducing its objectives, its impact-measurement methodology, and the main stages of its implementation and results. It also highlights how the index outputs are used to assess awareness levels and develop awareness efforts, and the role of impact measurement in supporting continuous improvement and enhancing the pilgrim experience.
14:45–15:00Hajj Talk: Social Responsibility and Volunteering: A Partnership that Creates Impact in Serving PilgrimsThe keynote highlights the role of social responsibility and volunteer work in serving pilgrims, and their contribution to strengthening integration among the government, private and non-profit sectors, developing distinctive initiatives that raise the quality of services provided to pilgrims, and reinforcing the lasting impact on their spiritual experience. This session addresses social responsibility and volunteer work as two fundamental pillars in elevating service to pilgrims, starting from a clear concept of responsibility and its three domains towards society, the economy and the environment. It shows how integration among the government, private and non-profit sectors creates distinctive impact that, through initiatives and volunteering, turns from an institutional commitment into a lasting impact on the spiritual experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The session also presents the role of the Coordinating Council in raising awareness among sector companies and empowering them, along with practical steps to activate volunteering and increase contributions, so that attendees leave ready to begin.
14:50–15:35Operational Excellence in Service Provider Companies and Its Impact on the Pilgrim ExperienceThis panel discussion brings together leaders of private-sector companies serving the Guests of Allah to present their pioneering experiences in achieving operational excellence and delivering high-quality services worthy of the Guests of Allah. The session highlights best practices in hospitality at the Holy Sites and in developing infrastructure and facilities, reflecting the maturity of the private sector and its effective partnership with government entities in ensuring a successful Hajj season.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Operational Excellence in Facilities Management for the Hajj and Umrah SystemClassification: Infrastructure and Facilities Management Organizing Entity: Umm Al-Qura University This workshop addresses facilities management as a continuous operational phase after project handover, and the shift from reactive operations to proactive management based on planning, governance, performance indicators and risk management.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Tools for Measuring Volunteer Work Efficiency in the Holy SitesClassification: The Third Sector Organizing Entity: University of Jeddah Future Engineering Academy This workshop addresses methods for measuring the efficiency and impact of volunteer work in the Holy Sites using data and quantitative indicators, moving from measuring participation volume to measuring results and impact.
15:30–17:30Workshop: The Nusuk Masar Journey for Service CompaniesClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah This workshop addresses camp management and contracting procedures with service providers through Nusuk Masar, from handover and pricing to building contracts, linking them to packages and defining hospitality centers.
15:30–17:30Workshop: The Pilgrim Journey at the Airport: From Movement Management to the Digital ExperienceClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Jeddah Airports Company This workshop addresses the pilgrim journey at King Abdulaziz International Airport, from managing group and bus movement through sorting points to the digital experience of proactive notifications and information, as participants map the journey and turn pain points into connected solutions.
15:50–16:00The Municipal Services System and the Quality of the ExperienceThis keynote reviews the role of municipal services in shaping the experience of the Guests of Allah in the Holy Capital, and the work of the Holy Makkah Municipality in preparing the urban environment, managing public facilities and raising standards of cleanliness and public health during the Hajj season. It also addresses efforts to improve the urban landscape and regulate commercial activities, contributing to an integrated and safe experience for the Guests of Allah.
16:00–16:20Supply Chain and Logistics Efficiency in the Catering Sector during the Hajj SeasonThis session addresses raising the efficiency of food and catering services during the Hajj season by developing meal production, preparation, storage and distribution processes and improving operational readiness to keep pace with peak demand. It also reviews the challenges facing food service providers and the solutions that help enhance food safety, meal quality and the continuity of catering services for the Guests of Allah.
16:00–16:20Hajj Talk: Operational Integration of Hajj Services and Saudi Vision 2030The keynote aims to highlight the governance and harmonization of operations in Hajj services within the pilgrim services system, focusing on how roles are integrated among executive entities, how service standards are unified and how field execution efficiency is raised. It also addresses the main operational challenges affecting the pilgrim experience and the management of pilgrims' expectations in support of the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.
16:20–16:35Infrastructure Reliability and Operational Continuity in Hajj-This session discusses the requirements for operating and managing the infrastructure that supports Hajj services across a number of sites with high operational density. It reviews the importance of advance readiness, the efficiency of cooling and building management systems, preventive and predictive maintenance, and real-time asset monitoring to ensure service continuity and reduce the likelihood of failures during peak seasons. It also addresses the role of smart technologies and data analytics in raising operational efficiency, rationalizing energy consumption and supporting rapid response to changes and faults. The session highlights asset life-cycle management and the modernization of existing systems to enhance their reliability, efficiency and sustainability, contributing to a stable, safe and comfortable operating environment for pilgrims.
16:20–16:40Hajj Talk: The Transport System: Modern Technologies and Major Enablers in Serving PilgrimsThe keynote highlights the preparations and operational readiness of the transport and logistics system to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season, and reviews the main services provided to ease their movement and enhance their comfort and safety. It also addresses the role of modern technologies and smart solutions in raising the efficiency of transport services, strengthening integration among relevant entities and improving the pilgrim experience throughout the journey.
16:35–17:15Milestones in the Pilgrim's Journey: Aviation, Hospitality and OrganizationThis session discusses the interconnection of the services that accompany the journey of the Guests of Allah, from travel and booking arrangements to accommodation and hospitality, and finally the performance of the obligatory pilgrimage, and the coordination it requires among service providers to ensure service quality across all stages. It also reviews opportunities to unify quality standards, share data and align operational capacities with the intensity of the season and the diversity of pilgrims’ needs, supporting a smooth journey and reliable services.
16:40–17:00Hajj Talk: Managing Transport Fleets in Hajj: Towards a Smart IoT-Enabled SystemThis keynote discusses the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data in connecting people, assets and operations to enable faster and smarter decisions across the Hajj system. The session discusses applying these solutions to transport fleet management and vehicle tracking to raise operational efficiency through real-time monitoring of movement and driving-behaviour indicators, ensuring the highest levels of readiness and response at peak times and during heavy traffic.
17:00–17:20Hajj Talk: The Role of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Enriching the Pilgrim ExperienceThe keynote addresses the dimensions of comprehensive integration and strategic connection between Jeddah Airports and the sectors of the Hajj system: from the distinctive partnership with the Makkah Route Initiative, through direct field coordination with the security and health sectors, to land transport with the Haramain High-Speed Railway and pilgrim transport companies. The session also discusses the development of innovative operating models and technologies, as well as raising security and safety standards to keep pace with the targeted increase in pilgrim numbers, ensuring an exceptional and humane experience that reflects the Kingdom's honourable, civilized image in serving the Guests of Allah's Sacred House.
17:15–17:35Hospitality: Quality, Standards and the Experience of the Guests of AllahThis session addresses the quality of hospitality services provided to the Guests of Allah, the professional and institutional standards that govern them, and the impact of applying these standards on service consistency and on improving the pilgrim experience. It reviews frameworks for classification, accreditation, quality measurement and beneficiary satisfaction, as well as the role of professional qualification and academic and advisory expertise in turning standards into applicable practices. It also discusses aligning global standards with the spiritual and cultural specificity of serving the Guests of Allah.
18:00–19:30Workshop: One Voice for the Hajj System: Inter-Entity Communication Governance During the SeasonClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Pilgrim Experience Program This workshop addresses communication governance in multi-entity systems during the Hajj season, managing the communication landscape and distributing roles among entities to unify messages and reduce duplication and conflict that lead to media crises.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Pilgrim Housing from Planning to Operation: Requirements, Capacity and Service QualityClassification: Housing and Hospitality Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs This workshop addresses managing the housing sector in Hajj, from planning, contracting and approving residences, through capacity management and compliance, to monitoring service quality and pilgrim satisfaction, with technology solutions that raise the sector’s efficiency.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Pilgrim Bus Safety: Lessons from Real Accidents and Preventive MeasuresClassification: Security & Safety Organizing Entity: General Syndicate of Cars This workshop addresses the safety of buses transporting the Guests of Allah through field experience and lessons learned from real accidents, the main operational challenges involved, and the preventive measures that reduce their recurrence.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Tasleem: Digital Integration with Human Review to Measure the Impact of Operational PerformanceClassification: Technology & Innovation Organizing Entity: Kidana Development Company Customer Service Center (Tasleem) This workshop addresses the Tasleem platform experience in improving operations in Holy Sites services, from integration with government systems and automated verification to AI with human review, with indicators for measuring operational impact such as processing time and data quality.
18:20–18:50Hajj Talk: Discover Makkah: A Historic Legacy and a Renewed ExperienceThis session addresses the development of heritage and archaeological sites in Makkah and the enrichment of their scientific and historical content. It also discusses integration between operating and developing entities in managing and activating enrichment destinations and enriching the visitor experience, as well as opportunities to empower the private sector and develop investment opportunities linked to these sites.
18:30–18:45Awareness Directions and the Joint Awareness Programme for the 1448 AH Hajj SeasonThis session reviews the awareness directions for the 1448 AH Hajj season and the Joint Awareness Programme for Hajj Affairs Offices, highlighting the role of the offices in conveying security, health and regulatory instructions to their Hajj pilgrims before arrival, in line with updates on the comprehensive journey, the comprehensive package and the requirements of the compliance system, to raise the readiness of the Guests of Allah for the season.
18:45–20:30Organizational and Operational Arrangements for Hajj Affairs OfficesA panel discussion bringing together representatives of the entities concerned with the work of Hajj Affairs Offices to discuss the key organizational and operational instructions and requirements for the Hajj season, covering security, health, air transport, media and compliance, with the aim of unifying understanding, strengthening coordination between the offices and the relevant entities, and raising readiness for the season.
18:45–20:30Directions and Updates in the Work of Hajj Affairs Offices for the 1448 AH Hajj SeasonThe Director General of the General Department of Hajj Affairs Offices presents in detail the key directions and updates related to the work of the offices for the 1448 AH Hajj season, and the resulting changes in organizational and operational procedures and requirements. The session also answers the most frequently asked questions, collected in advance from officials of Hajj Affairs Offices, and clarifies the related procedures and requirements.
18:50–19:10Hajj Talk: The Tour Guide in Hajj: Creating Knowledge and Deepening the Impact of the JourneyThis keynote discusses developing the role of the tour guide from providing information to creating a reliable knowledge experience for pilgrims. It also reviews mechanisms for organizing historical content, programmes for qualifying and classifying guides, and the integration of digital solutions and artificial intelligence to provide multilingual guidance that raises the quality of the experience.
19:30–19:50Hajj Talk: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Project for Translating the Arafah Sermon and Expanding Global ReachThe keynote reviews the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Project for Translating the Arafah Sermon and its role in conveying the sermon's content and message to Muslims around the world in multiple languages. It also highlights the mechanisms for translation, broadcasting and distribution across digital platforms and channels, and the use of modern technologies to expand access to the sermon, strengthening communication with pilgrims and the Muslim world across its many languages and cultures.
19:50–14:10Hajj Talk: Zamzam Water from the Well to the Pilgrim: An Integrated System of Quality and AuthenticityThis session highlights the pioneering experience of the ""King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Project for Zamzam Water"", supervised by the National Water Company, as a distinguished national model that combines governance of this blessed resource with the highest international quality and safety standards. The session reviews the precise journey of Zamzam water from the well to the hands of the beneficiary, and the role of modern technologies and advanced laboratories in preserving its purity and authenticity, along with efficient supply chains and digital and logistical integration with the ""Nusuk"" platform and the pilgrim services system.
20:00–21:00Workshop: A Risk-Informed Framework for Safe Evacuation Route Planning in High-Density Gatherings: The Hajj as a Case StudyClassification: Security and Safety Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Civil Defense
20:00–21:00Workshop: How Do Hospitality Centers Integrate with Service Companies for International Pilgrims?Classification: Housing & Hospitality Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs General Directorate of Companies This workshop addresses the regulatory and operational roles and responsibilities of hospitality centers affiliated with service companies for international pilgrims, the integration between both parties, and compliance with the regulations governing pilgrim services.
20:00–21:00Workshop: "Customer Service": The Pilgrim Experience from the Comprehensive Package to the Integrated ExperienceClassification: Experience Enrichment Organizing Entity: Dallah Albaraka Group Al Manakha Urban Project Company This workshop addresses the role of the comprehensive package in developing pilgrim services and the pivotal role of the customer service employee as the direct link between the pilgrim and the service system, including early selection, qualification and training.
20:00–21:00Workshop: Designing a Smart Monitoring and Control Model for Hajj OperationsClassification: Technology & Innovation Organizing Entity: Bushra Hospitality Company This workshop addresses a methodology for turning scattered operational data in the Hajj system into timely decisions, based on Bushra Hospitality’s 1447H experience, as participants design a smart monitoring and control model from detecting deviations to verifying resolution and closure.
20:10–20:30Hajj Talk: Hajj Through a Digital Lens: From Scene to StoryThe keynote highlights the skills of capturing stories from the heart of the Holy Sites and turning fleeting scenes into moving human stories, by developing observation skills, building the story angle and choosing details that can convey meaning, creating digital content that resonates with audiences and reflects the richness of the human experience of Hajj.

10:30–12:00Workshop: The Role of Institutional Integration in Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Response within the Security and Safety System during the Hajj and Umrah SeasonsClassification: Security and Safety Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Civil Defense
10:30–12:30Workshop: Developing Innovative Business Models through Project Management (Nusuk Imtithal Model)Classification: Infrastructure and Facilities Management Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs This workshop addresses how the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah uses project management tools and models to develop innovative business models that evolve year after year, through the Nusuk Imtithal model, its implementation stages and its benefits in raising readiness and compliance at pilgrim service sites, as participants build a mini readiness and compliance plan for a service site.
10:30–12:30Workshop: From Prevention to Response: The Healthcare System for PilgrimsClassification: Healthcare Organizing Entity: Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs This workshop addresses the healthcare system for pilgrims from prevention to response, presenting proactive preventive plans, emergency response mechanisms and integration among government, private and volunteer entities.
11:00–11:40Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Digital ServicesThis session presents specialized research contributions on the use of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in serving the Guests of Allah, through scientific papers addressing predictive models, data analytics and operational decision support during the Hajj season. It also discusses the challenges related to data quality and governance, and ways to move research outputs into practical applications that raise service efficiency.
11:40–12:00Contributions of the Saudi Scouts in Serving the Guests of AllahThis session reviews the contributions of the Saudi Scouts in serving the Guests of Allah and how they represent a national model of organized volunteer work grounded in qualification, discipline and field readiness. It also discusses the role of scouting in developing leadership skills and fostering the values of responsibility and community service, as well as opportunities to develop scout participation and expand its impact during Hajj seasons.
12:00–12:15The Future of Smart InfrastructureThis session discusses future trends in harnessing advanced technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure and edge computing. It highlights data processing to support real-time decision-making and the use of smart analytics in real-time crowd management.
12:30–12:50Medical Services in Hajj: Readiness and ResponseThis session reviews the health readiness and emergency medical response system serving the Guests of Allah and supporting field security personnel during the Hajj season. It addresses the mechanisms for delivering preventive, field and virtual medical care at deployment sites, and the operational models of field medical services in the Holy Sites. It also highlights the use of modern technologies, such as the “Smart Health Bracelet”, to strengthen real-time connection between the field, command centres and emergency teams, and looks ahead to the future of health services through innovative initiatives that raise the efficiency of digital care and speed up medical response and intervention.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Psychological Skills and Traits of Security Personnel and Their Role in a Successful Hajj SeasonClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Public Security
12:30–14:30Workshop: Food Safety in Catering Services: Regulatory Requirements and Service Providers’ ResponsibilitiesClassification: Catering and Nutrition Organizing Entity: Holy Makkah Municipality This workshop addresses food safety requirements and catering service regulations in Hajj, and the responsibilities of caterers at each stage from preparation to serving in camps, as participants work on common violation cases and corrective actions.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Nusuk Card for an Easy Hajj JourneyClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah This workshop addresses the journey of the Nusuk Card in enriching the experience of the Guests of Allah, from planning until arrival and departure, as the companion that makes the journey safe and easy.
12:30–14:30Workshop: Hajj: The Grandeur of the Scene and the Depth of the Story
12:50–13:00"In His Footsteps": Reviving the Hijrah TrailThis keynote reviews the “In His Footsteps” initiative, which seeks to revive the Hijrah Trail as a historical and cultural route linking Makkah and Madinah, and as an extension of the faith experience of the Guests of Allah. It also addresses efforts to document the route, rehabilitate its stations and connect it to the tourism and cultural ecosystem, enriching the visitor experience and strengthening the Kingdom’s cultural standing.
13:00–13:30Transforming the Guests of Allah’s Experience in Performing the RitualsThis session reviews the transformation of the experience of the Guests of Allah in performing the rituals through service development and the integration of operational and technical efforts to facilitate their journey and make it smoother and more reassuring. It discusses the role of digital transformation in improving mobility and guidance services at the Two Holy Mosques, the use of technology and artificial intelligence to facilitate passport procedures and identity verification, and the impact of integrating these services in enabling the Guests of Allah to perform their rituals with ease, in support of the targets of the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), one of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs.
13:00–13:05Hajj Talk: Opening of "Impact Pioneers" and WelcomeOpening of the "Impact Pioneers" platform, welcoming the audience and introducing its concept: real experiences that have made an impact in serving the Guests of Allah, told by the people behind them in brief, human terms.
13:05–13:17Hajj Talk: Stories Told… and an Impact that LastsThe essence of 22 years of media coverage of Hajj: lessons in telling the inspiring story of Hajj and conveying its image to the world.
13:17–13:29Hajj Talk: Making an Impact… from Critical MomentsField experiences of the Happiness Team that turn critical moments in the journey of the Guests of Allah into a lasting human impact, through rapid intervention, improving impressions, “delight” rounds, and listening to needs and small details.
13:29–13:41Hajj Talk: Peace of Mind Is a Cure TooSpiritual support for sick pilgrims in hospitals, in their own languages, provided by multilingual graduates of Sharia (Islamic studies) disciplines to enhance their peace of mind and satisfaction with the service.
13:30–13:40Entrepreneurship in Urban Development to Serve the Guests of AllahThis keynote reviews the entrepreneurial and investment opportunities created by urban development projects in Makkah and the Holy Sites, and the role of partnership between major developers, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing supply chains, support services and commercial activities and turning them into scalable business models, contributing to higher-quality services and an enriched experience for the Guests of Allah.
13:40–14:10The Role of Legislation and Regulations in Elevating the Quality of Hospitality ServicesThis session addresses the role of tourism legislation and regulations in elevating the quality of hospitality services provided to the Guests of Allah through the integration of regulatory frameworks with the licensing, classification, oversight and compliance system. This contributes to protecting visitors’ rights, enhancing their experience and creating a regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation in the tourism sector.
13:41–13:53Hajj Talk: What Remains After the Journey Ends?An operational system that links the design of the experience of the Guests of Allah with measuring their satisfaction through the “Radhi” programme, turns the results into improvements, and served nearly 59,000 beneficiaries in the 1447 AH season.
13:53–14:05Hajj Talk: Tunisia’s Experience in Training StaffTunisia’s experience in training staff of Hajj Affairs Offices in crowd management and handling field situations, and the training practices used to develop staff competence and improve the quality of services provided.
14:05–14:17Hajj Talk: From Reception to Farewell… Muhsin Holds the Thread?A system that brings together trained field staff, unified operating procedures, a control room and digital applications, covering the pilgrim’s journey from reception to departure.
14:10–15:00Hospitality Centers: Development Strategies and Operational ExcellenceThis session reviews strategies for developing hospitality centers and enhancing operational excellence through the experiences of their leaders in improving performance and raising operational efficiency and the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah. It highlights key initiatives and practices in developing operating models, deploying smart solutions, qualifying field staff, and measuring performance quality and beneficiary satisfaction, thereby sustaining improvement and enriching the hospitality experience.
14:17–14:29Hajj Talk: SMAV — The Most Impactful ExperienceA qualified health-volunteering track that places trained volunteers among pilgrims for initial triage, field first aid and preventive awareness, with more than 6,000 volunteers taking part.
14:29–14:41Hajj Talk: When the Makkah Home Becomes a DestinationThe “Hikayat Makkah” experience opens Saudi homes to the Guests of Allah so they can experience the hospitality, food and authentic customs of welcoming families, taking them from visiting the place to living alongside its people, within unified standards for experience quality and home qualification.
14:41–14:53Hajj Talk: Volunteering in Hajj for the First TimeThe first volunteer health programme in Hajj, with more than 20 years of experience, having served more than 380,000 beneficiaries with volunteers from 36 universities.
14:53–15:05Hajj Talk: Beyond Service Quality… Human Peace of MindThe speaker starts from the report of the “Sukoon” initiative, then tells the story of a pilgrim worried about her son in a war zone and of an employee serving pilgrims while worried about his mother, highlighting the value of access to initial psychological support and counselling for pilgrims and those serving them. The platform recorded 7,030 visits in the 1447 AH season; visits do not indicate clinical cases.
15:00–15:20Traditional Arts and the Cultural Memory of HajjThis session reviews the role of traditional arts in preserving the cultural memory associated with Hajj, Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Sites, and how architecture, ornamentation, crafts and artifacts bear witness to the history of the place and the journey of the Guests of Allah. It also discusses ways to document this heritage, pass its skills on to new generations and present it in a contemporary way that respects the sanctity of the place and strengthens pilgrims’ connection with Saudi culture.
15:05–15:17Hajj Talk: Innovation That Began with a Human Moment… Tasleem GPTA generative-AI smart assistant within the “Tasleem” platform that answers in Arabic and English and serves field teams in the Holy Sites system.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Planning Pilgrim Catering: From Estimating Needs to Contract Management and Ensuring Service QualityClassification: Catering and Nutrition Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs General Directorate for Organizing Hajj Services This workshop addresses the methodology for planning pilgrim catering, from estimating food needs through managing contracts with providers and assigning roles, to ensuring service quality and continuity, with applications on 1448H updates such as the unified catering contract via Nusuk Masar.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Memory of the Holy Sites: Literature and History in Hajj Media NarrativeClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Al Arabiya This workshop addresses the cultural depth of Hajj media coverage, elevating field reporting from news transmission to a human and cultural document by combining journalism tools with history and literature.
15:30–17:30Workshop: From Observation to Initiative: How Can Service Providers Raise Pilgrim Satisfaction?Classification: Enriching the Experience Organizing Entity: Pilgrim Experience Program This workshop addresses the gap between what service providers deliver and what pilgrims actually experience, from field observation through satisfaction indicators and root-cause analysis to designing quick-impact improvement initiatives.
15:30–17:30Workshop: Building Professional Competence for Hajj Sector WorkersClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Rawaf Mina Company for Pilgrimage Services This workshop addresses building professional competence for Hajj workers, moving from seasonal tasks to sustainable professional practice based on knowledge, skills and behavior, supported by field coaching and maturity measurement.
15:35–16:05Creating Human-Interest Content on the Hajj ExperienceThis session addresses the role of content creators and media professionals in conveying the human experience of Hajj to audiences through digital platforms, by means of field coverage, capturing real-life stories and producing content that combines information, influence and reach. It also explores how modern media techniques and digital content creation can be used to highlight the spiritual and human dimensions of the Hajj journey in an engaging way suited to different audience segments.
15:35–15:47Hajj Talk: What Story Will the Pilgrim Tell When He Returns?The story of a pilgrim in his seventies who stops before the model of the Prophet’s Chamber in the museum, showing how visual explanation turns knowledge of the Prophet’s biography into an emotional experience and a value the visitor carries back home. The experience combines documented scholarly content and interactive displays, while making clear that the exhibits are illustrative models, not relocated relics.
15:47–15:59Hajj Talk: Hajj Without WasteAn initiative by the Saudi Food Bank “Eta’am” that turns surplus food during the Hajj season into a resource instead of waste: it tracks, collects, preserves and transports it, then redistributes edible meals to beneficiaries in the Makkah region in line with food-safety standards, in partnership with supervisory and supporting entities.
15:59–16:11Hajj Talk: Türkiye’s Experience in Training StaffTürkiye’s experience in training staff of Hajj Affairs Offices in crowd management and handling field situations, and the training practices used to develop staff competence and improve the quality of services provided.
16:11–16:23Hajj Talk: One Call… in Any LanguageAn AI telephone agent that answers the enquiries of the Guests of Allah in a natural voice and in multiple languages, without the need for internet access, within seconds.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Catering Safety Governance in Hajj: A Practical ModelClassification: Catering and Nutrition Organizing Entity: Hammam Food Consulting, Quality and Training This workshop addresses a practical model for catering safety governance in Hajj, moving participants from managing meal production to managing an integrated system based on risk and data, linking food safety with supply chains, digital monitoring and performance indicators under HACCP and ISO 22000 principles.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Early Warning Indicators in Hajj Operations: A Predictive ModelClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Daleel Alzowar This workshop addresses the operational risks facing Hajj service operators, presenting a practical model that turns daily performance signals into early warnings, built on actual readings from the 1447H season.
18:00–19:30Workshop: Nusuk Card Readers: Technical Solutions to Improve Crowd Management in the Holy SitesClassification: Infrastructure and Facilities Management Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah General Directorate of Hajj Systems and Data This workshop addresses the Nusuk Card Readers project and its role in supporting crowd management and verifying pilgrim data in the field, its operational and technical challenges, and opportunities for development.
20:00–21:00Workshop: Creating Hajj ContentClassification: Media and Communication Organizing Entity: Al Arabiya This workshop addresses the skills of creating digital content about Hajj, from choosing ideas and stories and presenting them attractively to publishing them on digital platforms and measuring their impact, with successful examples and experiences.
20:00–21:00Workshop: Situational Leadership in the Fields of HajjClassification: Training and Development Organizing Entity: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Deputy Ministry for Hajj Affairs This workshop addresses applying situational leadership in Hajj operations, enabling leaders and supervisors to choose the most suitable leadership style for the situation and team, strengthening decision speed, coordination and the ability to handle field challenges.
20:00–21:00Workshop: Through the Pilgrim's Eyes: Experience Engineering and Sustainable Impact in the Age of AIClassification: Technology and Innovation Organizing Entity: Umm Al-Qura University Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research This workshop addresses the gap between the service provider’s perspective and the pilgrim’s experience, experience engineering tools such as voice of the customer, personas and door-to-door journey design, linked to the operating model and impact indicators for sustainability, with AI used to enhance the experience.
20:00–21:00Workshop: How Do We Raise Awareness Among Pilgrims Arriving by Air?Classification: Transportation and Logistics Services Organizing Entity: Jeddah Airports Company This workshop addresses how to build communication plans to raise awareness among pilgrims arriving through King Abdulaziz International Airport, from preparing and reviewing the plan to implementing it during the season.