Umm Al-Qura University enhances services for pilgrims through research and volunteer efforts
contributed Umm Al-Qura University to a comprehensive system of research, volunteer, and training efforts during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, supporting the services provided to the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services offered to them, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
On the research front, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at the university conducted six specialized field studies during Ramadan. These studies addressed topics such as transportation, crowd management, the urban environment, and visitor experience, aiming to support service development and enhance traffic management efficiency in high-density areas.
The studies included: monitoring environmental risks in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque; assessing the compliance of accommodations and hotels with the approved requirements and standards in the central area; evaluating the operational efficiency of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system; improving vehicle traffic management through modeling and simulation technologies; and measuring the quality of experience for visitors to the Grand Mosque using the shuttle service.
volunteer hours
In the area of volunteer work, 2,591 students, staff, and faculty members from the university participated in serving pilgrims, contributing 54,850 volunteer hours. These efforts encompassed health, security, guidance, and awareness initiatives at various locations both within and outside Mecca, in collaboration with multiple organizations.
The College of Medicine also presented the "Systematic Umrah" program in partnership with the Department of Volunteer Work and Social Responsibility. This program aimed to utilize the energy of health college students in serving pilgrims and visitors. It comprised three main tracks: a foot patrol within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, with 605 students providing first aid; a track involving 433 students in clinical training and healthcare provision at hospitals and health centers; and a health awareness track, with 63 students conducting awareness campaigns.
Historical Sites Hackathon
In the area of innovation, Umm Al-Qura University, in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, launched the third edition of the Historical and Cultural Sites Hackathon. This initiative saw wide participation from students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and those interested in developing the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation sector. It is part of efforts to promote innovation and utilize modern technologies to serve pilgrims and enrich their experience. In this context, the King Salman Chair for Makkah History Studies offered several specialized workshops, and the university organized numerous training workshops and enriching field visits.
Regarding qualification and training, the university, through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, launched 23 specialized training programs for frontline workers during the 1447 AH Hajj season. These programs aimed to enhance their preparedness and efficiency, thereby contributing to the development of the institutional work system and improving the quality of services provided.
Cultural front
The cultural center at Umm Al-Qura University welcomed over 4,000 visitors during the holy month of Ramadan. Visitors explored its diverse collections of cultural artifacts, museum exhibits, and heritage items, reflecting the rich cultural and historical legacy of Makkah.
Umm Al-Qura University also launched its outreach campaign to support its endowments, which promote education, research, and innovation in Makkah. Furthermore, through its Institute of Research, Studies, and Consulting Services, the university conducted a series of consulting studies aimed at supporting the Hajj and Umrah sectors.
Integrated efforts
The President of Umm Al-Qura University, Professor Maadi bin Mohammed Al-Mathhab, affirmed that these integrated efforts enhance the pioneering role of Umm Al-Qura University in serving the guests of God through a work system that combines scientific research, volunteering, qualification, and training for employees, which contributes to developing the experience of visitors and pilgrims, and raising the level of services provided in the Two Holy Mosques, in fulfillment of the directives and support of the wise leadership - may God support them - and he appreciated the support of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Chairman of the Council of University Affairs, Professor Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, and the care and keenness of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Governor of Makkah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness his Deputy, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect them -.
