While the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, in cooperation with the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, was discussing strategies of the executive plans to deploy scientific research and technology to facilitate the Islamic rituals, the Advisory Council provided 17 executable initiatives through one of the vision realization programs in which 32 researchers participated.

This was announced in the "Cognitive Achievements" ceremony for the 1440 A.H Hajj season, which was organized today by the institute at King Abdulaziz Historical Hall, and was transmitted via video conference to Al-Zahir Campus (female section). The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, in the presence of a number of representatives from the government, private and nonprofit sectors.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al-Sibaei, Head of the Department of Environmental and Health Research at the institute, clarified, while inaugurating the strategic plan for research, technology and innovation to serve the Two Holy Mosque, that the strategy included about 12 courses covering knowledge transmission and initiative development. This is in order to detect the scientific outcomes of such plans, and employ them in serving all fields related to the Two Holy Mosques' affairs, through holding 21 workshops with the concerned bodies.

On his part, the Dean of the Institute, Dr. Basim Qadi, stressed the importance of the role played by research studies in helping the decision-makers in diverse fields, in accordance with an accurate sequence and based on data and knowledge supporting such plans. In addition, he referred to the importance of numbers and indicators to evaluate development projects, in particular, the programs and research related to the seasons of Hajj and Umrah.

During the 1440 A.H season, the institute provided studies and research in various scientific and media fields, where it introduced 45 studies, including research questionnaires, introduced by 66 researchers, 15 assistant researchers, and 500 data collectors. Furthermore, it participated in 4 media exhibitions, held 21 TV and radio episodes, and contributed to documenting 15600 photographs taken by 19 photographers.

At the end of the event, His Excellency the UQU President honored the government, private and nonprofit bodies for the efforts they exerted in serving the guests of Allah. In addition, the institute provided memorial presents consisting of photos taken throughout the season.

On her part, the Vice Dean of the Institute, Dr. Sumayya Hariri, honored the General Vice President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques at the female action, Dr. Fatima Al-Rashoud, the Vice President for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Sarah Al-Khuli, as well as the female academic staff members and vice deans participating in formulating the strategy.