By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said the Kingdom has built a world-leading model in serving pilgrims through decades of development, planning and the use of modern technology to improve the Hajj experience.

Speaking at the opening of the 50th Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah on Wednesday, Al-Rabiah said this year’s discussions reflect the major transformation witnessed in the Hajj system over the last five decades.

The symposium, themed “An active platform serving the guests of God… Half a century of knowledge enrichment,” was organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Council of Senior Scholars.

Al-Rabiah explained that Saudi Arabia has developed an advanced system capable of managing one of the world’s largest and most complex religious gatherings within a limited area and timeframe. He noted that the Hajj operation now involves thousands of flights and the coordinated work of dozens of agencies responsible for the movement, safety and welfare of pilgrims.

According to the minister, the Kingdom has shifted from simply responding to challenges during Hajj to building a system driven by research, innovation, data and modern technologies aimed at improving efficiency and helping pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.

He credited the progress to the support of Saudi leadership and its continued commitment to ensuring high-quality services for pilgrims in a manner that reflects the sanctity of the holy sites and the honour of serving the guests of Allah.

Al-Rabiah also described the Grand Hajj Symposium as part of a long-standing scientific and intellectual effort to improve Hajj services through dialogue, research and institutional development.

The event brought together ministers, Islamic scholars, researchers and specialists from different parts of the Muslim world to discuss topics including awareness campaigns for pilgrims, operational efficiency, future Hajj services, and the use of technology and innovation in pilgrimage management.

The symposium also featured scientific sessions, workshops and keynote lectures reviewing the Kingdom’s decades-long experience in organising and improving Hajj services.

Source: Saudi Gazette