Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah keep him, the events of  the 16^th Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Researches, organized by UQU – represented in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institution for Hajj and Umrah Researches, was held on 17 & 18/08/1437 H at King Abdulaziz Historic Hall at Abedia Campus. The forum was attended by experts, researchers and people interested in the field of Hajj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid from inside and outside KSA.

HE UQU President, Dr. Bakri Bin Maatouq Assas, praised the care HRH Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, his Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince – may Allah protect them – give to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and their affluent support aiming to improve the quality of the services rendered to the visitors of Makkah, to perform their rituals in an easy, smooth and safe way.

Dr. Assas stated, “The care HRH Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,– may Allah protect him – gives to the 16^th Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visiting the Prophet’s Masjid Researches, that UQU, represented in its Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institution for Hajj and Umrah Researches intend to organize on the 17^th of Shaaban, is a living evidence of the care HRH gives to providing best services and all the ways that achieve comfort and convenience to the visitors of this holy land.”

“KSA is utilizing all its financial capabilities and human resources and is always working hard each and every year to develop plans and strategies that guarantee doing so, according to a scientific and research approach. UQU, represented in its Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institution for Hajj and Umrah Researches, work on developing Hajj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid system through scientific research and specialized studies to face all obstacles and challenges, as well as propose practical solutions that contribute to implementing projects and developing plans that seek to make pilgrims comfortable.”, he added.

He also clarified that the scientific forum for Hajj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid is an annual scientific gathering in which professionals, officials and workers in the field of Hajj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid meet to review their researches, studies and proposals as well as exchange points of view and utilize state of the art technologies and scientific innovations seeking continuous development to improve services rendered to pilgrims. He added that the Forum seeks to attract researchers and professionals belonging to Saudi universities and research institutions and those interested in Hajj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid researches, in addition to public and private sector employees to discuss topics, researches and innovations as regards Hajj and Umrah services.

HE expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his patronage, which  reflects the great care and continuous support the Institution receives from the rulers, may Allah keep them. He expressed his aspiration that the Forum produces recommendations that serve the work concerning Hajj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid, according to the aspirations and directions of the wise leader, may Allah support him, seeking for Hajj and its services to be an exemplary attitude reflecting the efforts and hard work exerted by KSA in serving pilgrims to perform the 5^th corner of Islam, “Hajj”, as well as Umrah rituals and visiting the Prophet’s Masjid.

On the other hand, Dr. Atef Bin Hussein Asghar, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institution for Hajj and Umrah Researches Dean, stated that the forum will discuss 7 topics; namely, (1) construction and engineering applications, (2) environment and health, (3) technology and its applications, (4) management, economy and services, (5) propaganda and media, (6) Hajj and Umrah jurisprudence and (7) efforts and accomplishments. He stated that these topics were determined based on about 200 scientific papers that were judged by the scientific committee approved by UQU President Dr. Bakri Maatouq Assas. 60 scientific papers were accepted to take part in the forum. He praised the support and care extended by UQU President Dr. Bakri Maatouq Assas, allowing the institution to excel in the events it hold, during which it discusses a number of issues faced by the guests of Makkah and the Prophet’s Masjid.