Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the Administration of Voluntary Work and Social Responsibility, organized a specialized workshop to coordinate the volunteer efforts of the university affiliates during the Hajj season 1442 A.H. Moreover, UQU aims at providing volunteer opportunities for them in various fields of service, in addition to investing in strategic partnerships with external parties to serve the volunteers working in the Hajj season.

The UQU Acting Vice President for Development and Community Service, Dr. Ali Al-Sha`iri, in his speech at the opening of the workshop, stated the importance of volunteer work in supporting the Hajj and Umrah system during the seasons, in the social, research and scientific aspects. He referred to the mission of the university as well as its aspirations in serving the pilgrims and improving their spiritual experience, from the moment they arrive until they complete the rituals and finally depart. He appreciated the support of the President of the University, Prof. Moaddi bin Muhammad Al Madh-hab, for the programs and initiatives of the university authorities that provide services to the Hajj and Umrah sector.

The General Supervisor of the Administration of Voluntary Work and Social Responsibility, Dr. Sumayya Sharaf, introduced the services of the department during the Hajj season, totaling about 21 volunteer opportunities, which are provided to approximately 1,000 volunteers. These include: 5 opportunities available in cooperation with the General Directorate of Civil Defense, 7 opportunities with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and 9 health volunteer opportunities. Meanwhile, she explained the specifications and characteristics of volunteer opportunities and the most important requirements in conducting their work in cooperation with the concerned authorities.

On his part, the Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Dr. Turki Al-Amr, explained the mission of the institute and its volunteer contributions in serving the pilgrims. He added that the institute has carried out research contributions in cooperation with relevant government sectors to maximize the experience of Hajj and Umrah and improve the services provided to the pilgrims. He noted the role of the Wifada platform in training workers and volunteers during the Hajj season as well as equipping them with the required cognitive and behavioral skills.

The workshop was attended by a delegation from the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the Supervisory Administration of Health Volunteering in Makkah Region, as well as the deans of the colleges and institutes at the university.