This Unit conducts research in the field of history of Hajj and Umrah and holy places. This includes civilizational and cultural aspects of pilgrims and those serving them. The Unit also studies geographical configurations and natural characteristics of the holy places. It also studies the demographics of the expatriate Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

The Unit also works on preparation of a historical and documentary record of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque and also of Holy City of Makkah, Madinah and Holy Sites. This includes a study of different historical stages of civilizational developments of such places.

In addition, the Unit gathers and studies the administrative decisions regulating the pilgrimage affairs over centuries. It also takes care of documenting and recording contemporary stages of constructions, expansions and developments achieved to improve the services provided to the pilgrims at the two Holy Mosques, the two Holy Cities and the Holy Sites.a