Media system readiness in the holy sites for the Hajj season
His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, conducted an extensive inspection tour that included a visit to the headquarters of Umm Al-Qura newspaper, assessing the readiness of the media system in the Holy Sites, and inspecting several security agencies. This tour aimed to directly assess the operational and technical preparedness and ensure the smooth flow of work to guarantee the broadcast of the Hajj pilgrimage to the entire world, reflecting the exceptional and massive efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the pilgrims and facilitating their performance of the rituals.
A long history and continuous development to serve the guests of God
Over the decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on media coverage of the Hajj season, with transportation and broadcasting methods evolving from local radio and print newspapers to the latest satellite and digital broadcasting technologies. The Umm Al-Qura newspaper, founded by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud (may God have mercy on him) in 1343 AH, stands as a testament to this rich history, serving as the official gazette of the Kingdom. For over a century, it has documented various national regulations, decrees, decisions, and transformations. Today, integrating this historical legacy with modern technologies represents a strategic step to document the Kingdom's efforts and convey its true and positive image to the world.
Digital transformation of Umm Al-Qura newspaper
Al-Dossari began his tour with a visit to the headquarters of Umm Al-Qura newspaper, where he was briefed on the comprehensive development and digital transformation underway. During the visit, he received a detailed explanation of the editorial, technical, and printing processes, as well as the development plans aimed at enhancing digital content and modern publishing tools. He also toured the newspaper's facilities and departments, observing the advanced technologies used in documentation and the stages of electronic archiving, which aim to convert historical print content into easily accessible digital materials, facilitating review and research for scholars and interested parties. At the conclusion of his visit, His Excellency emphasized the paramount importance of continuing to develop national media institutions and enhance their digital readiness to keep pace with developmental transformations and support the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Media system equipment in the holy sites
In a related context, the Minister of Information reviewed the preparations and equipment at the media facilities in the Holy Sites, specifically in Arafat. He inspected the Saudi Broadcasting Authority's studios and mobile broadcasting vans equipped with the latest global technologies. He received a comprehensive briefing from specialists on the advanced technologies used to ensure broadcast quality and continuity. He also inspected the necessary media facilities in Arafat, which were specifically designed to facilitate the work of local journalists and international media companies, enabling them to carry out their journalistic mission with ease during the Hajj season.
Strategic dimensions of media coverage of the Hajj season
Media coverage of the Hajj season carries significant strategic dimensions at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this coverage strengthens national unity and highlights the efficiency of Saudi personnel in managing crowds and organizing major events. Regionally and internationally, professional coverage contributes to conveying Islam's tolerant message of peace and brotherhood to billions of viewers worldwide. It also underscores the Kingdom's leading role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and refutes any rumors through live and transparent reporting of events.
At the conclusion of his inspection tour, the Minister of Media emphasized to all ministry staff and personnel involved in covering this year's Hajj the necessity of exerting further efforts to highlight the Kingdom's service to the pilgrims and the great attention given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – to facilitating the Hajj for the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God. The tour also included a visit to the Hajj Operations Center (Command and Control) of the Public Security and the Presidency of State Security, where His Excellency was briefed on the integrated security and organizational efforts that ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims and provide a secure environment that allows media professionals to report with complete peace of mind.
