Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Omar Bafil, President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), inaugurated the Annual Researchers Meeting for this year’s Hajj Season (1439H). The meeting aimed to discuss 42 studies, research and programs implemented by the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research. The event was held in the presence of Dr. Sami bin Yassin Barhamain, Dean of the Institute, in addition to representatives of the relevant government and civil sectors within the Hajj services system. It is worth mentioning that it was held at the Institute's Celebrations Hall in Azizia campus.

At the beginning of the event, breathtaking verses of the Holy Quran were recited. This was followed by the speech of Dr. Barhamain about the Institute’s achievements and historical record of more than 40 years. Dr. Barhamain also confirmed that the Institute carried out several studies, some of which were applied in reality, such as the studies of the Saudi Project for Utilization of Hajj Meat and the frequent transport by SAPTCO.   

In the same context, Dr. Barhamain said that during this year’s Hajj season the Institute was carrying out 42 continuous studies and programs. These mainly included the study of the integrated catering system initiative for pilgrims, the application of the environment-friendly Green Hajj Camp, the control of waste management and recycling, as well as the intensive care for public health within the camp. In addition, he pointed out to several other studies related to reception at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah. He added that there were studies of performance indicators for utilities and services provided to the pilgrims.  

In this regard, Dr. Barhamain appreciated the support and guidance by Prof. Dr. Bafil for the Institute’s studies and programs that enhanced the system of services provided to the pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Moreover, he noted that the relevant authorities within the Hajj and Umrah system cooperated with the Institute. He also hailed the efforts exerted by the Institute’s researchers, assistants and administrative employees.       

Afterwards, researchers reviewed models of studies conducted by the Institute during this year’s Hajj Season (1439H): Procedural Guide of the Green Hajj Camp in Mina Tents by Dr. Abdullah As-Sebaey; Service Delivery Indicators at the Grand Mosque by Dr. Ayman Mustafa; Pilgrim Catering System Development by Dr. Bassam Mashat; Analytical Study of the Times of Procedural Stages Experienced by Pilgrims from Airport Arrival to Residence by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Jamal.      

This was followed by the speech of Prof. Dr. Bafil in which he appreciated the support given by the wise government (May Allah support it!) to UQU represented by the Institute. He added that via such support, the Institute could carry out its accurate and field research role. This was achieved by research and scientific studies conducted by highly qualified academic staff specialized in all aspects related to the service improvement system for the benefit of pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. He added that such studies included environmental and health, administrative and humanitarian, urban and engineering studies, as well as technical and media research.

Within the same framework, Dr. Bafil stated that the Institute carried out about 80 annual continuous studies and programs during the Hajj and Umrah seasons and the Scientific Forum for Hajj and Umrah Research. This was achieved in partnership with relevant government and civil sectors. Moreover, the Institute in turn forecasted observations that might affect the quality of services harnessed by the wise government to pilgrims, and submitted them to the competent authorities.

Dr. Bafil also pointed out to the support given by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Supervisory Committee for the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at UQU, to the Institute and the studies stemming from it. Moreover, he noted that follow-up and concern were provided by HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal (Advisor to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee), HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (Emir of Madinah and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee in Madinah) and both of their Deputies to the Institute’s work. He added that they offered facilities to researchers within the Holy Places, Makkah and Madinah.