The third edition of the Umrah, Hajj, and Ziyarah Forum has successfully concluded its activities in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment in the Kingdom's ongoing mission to enhance the spiritual journey for millions of pilgrims, known as the "Guests of Allah." Held under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region, the forum brought together key stakeholders to drive innovation and excellence in pilgrimage services.
Royal Patronage and High-Level Attendance
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of Assistant Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Al-Hasan bin Yahya Al-Manakhra and Undersecretary Eng. Abdulmohsen Al-Salem, among other dignitaries. Their participation underscored the forum's importance in Saudi Arabia's strategic vision to elevate the pilgrimage experience, reinforcing the nation's global leadership in this sacred domain.
Impressive Forum Statistics and Outcomes
The forum achieved remarkable milestones, with over 50,000 visitors attending the accompanying exhibition, which spanned more than 11,000 square meters and featured 150 exhibitors from both local and international companies. This massive turnout highlighted the growing interest and investment in pilgrimage services.
Knowledge enrichment was a central focus, with more than 160 speakers and trainers contributing to 25 main sessions and 40 workshops over three days. These efforts led to the specialized training and qualification of over 800 human resource personnel dedicated to serving pilgrims, ensuring a higher standard of care and efficiency.
Significant Growth and Satisfaction Rates
The forum celebrated the success of an integrated ecosystem that has served more than 18 million Umrah performers, achieving a staggering growth rate of 214%. Pilgrim satisfaction rates exceeded 94%, reflecting the effectiveness of the initiatives launched. Additionally, the "Nusuk" application reached 51 million users worldwide, and 87 historical sites were developed and enriched, further enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
Innovation and Recognition at the Closing Ceremony
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Ghassan bin Rashid Al-Nuwaimi, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, emphasized the forum's role in boosting human resources efficiency through extensive speaker and trainer participation. The event also included an awards distribution segment, honoring successful partners and winners in the technical innovation track for their advanced digital solutions.
Distinguished startups from the business accelerator were recognized, and the "Umrah Communication Award" was presented to deserving recipients. Awards were also given to Umrah companies and external agents, culminating in a global event that successfully shaped the future of Umrah and Ziyarah while unifying efforts to enrich the pilgrim journey.
Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Pilgrimage Services
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum's conclusion marks a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing world-class pilgrimage services. By fostering collaboration among international experts and decision-makers, the forum has set a new benchmark for innovation and excellence, ensuring that the experience of the Guests of Allah continues to evolve and improve for years to come.
