Umm Al-Qura University
Under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect him, the Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, will inaugurate the 20th Scientific Forum on Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research. The forum is organized by Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, and will be held via a virtual platform during the period 20–21 of Jumada Al-Thani, 1442 A.H., under the slogan, “Improving the Experience of the Guest’s Journey”. During the forum, His Highness will also inaugurate the Wafada platform for electronic training of the workers serving the pilgrims, including military, civilian and volunteers, and the Digital Repository platform for scientific forum research.
A number of their highnesses the princes, their excellencies the ministers, top officials in the various sectors of the state, and an elite group of specialists and researchers will participate in the forum. They will review the most important initiatives and programs of government agencies aimed at facilitating the Hajj and Umrah journey, and support decisions to improve the service of pilgrims. The forum also aims to present the results of research and scientific studies related to improving the experience of the Hajj and the Umrah trip, shedding light on the best practices in crowd management, to benefit from and publicize them, in addition to the creation of effective communication channels between the concerned parties and the sectors related to serving the pilgrims.
On its second day, the forum will include a special ministerial session on the Saudi Kingdom’s success story in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on the Hajj and Umrah journey. His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, His Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Hamad bin Muhammad Aal Sheikh, His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and His Excellency the General President for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdul-Rahman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Sudais, will participate in the session, which will be chaired by the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Moaddi bin Muhammad Aal-Madh-hab.
Prof. Aal-Madh-hab affirmed that the Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research has enjoyed, throughout its history, the unceasing support of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also received special care and generous patronage during the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his faithful Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect them, and the direct follow-up and interest of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region. This is with the aim of making it easy for the pilgrims and Umrah visitors to perform their rituals comfortably and peacefully. He added that the forum is an opportunity for researchers and specialists to present qualitative ideas, scientific studies and innovations to develop the Hajj and Umrah system and facilitate the pilgrimage and Umrah journey.
His Excellency the Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Dr. Basem bin Omar Qadi, stated that the two-day forum deals with three themes. The first theme is concerned with improving and developing the experience of the pilgrims by upgrading the services and facilities provided in the Hajj, Umrah and Visit at system, and activating the role of various cultural and scientific activities in which the pilgrims participate, such as trips, shopping, and educational and recreational events.
The second theme discusses economic, environmental and social sustainability, to increase domestic product while rationalizing consumption, and the study of reducing pollution and supporting ideas for clean energy. The third theme will deal with studies to increase the capacity of the facilities and infrastructure by increasing the spaces and the optimal use of available resources.
He added that these themes will be discussed during 15 scientific sessions in which researchers and speakers will handle 38 topics on improving the experience of pilgrims and Umrah visitors. They involve scientific papers and research proposals that contribute to the development of the Hajj and Umrah system, aiming to facilitate the rituals and adopt smart services for the pilgrims.
