Umm Al-Qura University's efforts during Hajj 1447: Integrated services for the pilgrims
Saudi educational institutions continue their leading role in serving pilgrims, with Umm Al-Qura University as one of the cornerstones of the success of this annual Islamic gathering. During the Hajj season of 1447 AH, the university mobilized all its human and research resources to provide a comprehensive system that supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate and enrich the pilgrims' spiritual journey. The university dedicated its resources to providing a diverse range of services, including academic studies related to Hajj and Umrah, consulting services, innovation and volunteer programs, and on-site translation at relevant locations.
A historical legacy and national responsibility for Umm Al-Qura University during Hajj
Academic institutions in Mecca hold a special place, their history inextricably linked to serving pilgrims to the Grand Mosque. Umm Al-Qura University's participation in Hajj is a continuation of this long-standing tradition, as the university has, since its founding, undertaken the responsibility of harnessing scientific research to serve the holy sites. In this context, the university's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research conducted 16 research studies this season, with the participation of more than 20 researchers specializing in environmental, health, engineering, and administrative fields, distributed across Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites. This institute, a globally recognized scientific authority, continues to provide innovative solutions that contribute to overcoming obstacles faced by millions of pilgrims.
The strategic impact of training qualified personnel working in Hajj services
The university's efforts extend beyond the local level of developing Makkah's infrastructure, impacting regionally and internationally by enhancing the experience of millions of Muslims from around the world. To ensure services meet the leadership's aspirations, the Institute of Research, Studies, and Consulting Services has contributed to 12 specialized studies in collaboration with 50 entities from the governmental, private, and non-profit sectors, aiming to improve operational efficiency. The university has also delivered 348 training courses, totaling over 1.8 million hours, to build capacity and develop the skills of personnel serving pilgrims. This positively impacts the quality of services provided and reinforces the Kingdom's global image as a leader in managing large gatherings.
Field and volunteer initiatives in 40 languages
These efforts included providing guidance programs and translation services in more than 40 languages, in cooperation with the Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, to facilitate communication for pilgrims. The university also strengthened volunteer work by training 1,469 volunteers who contributed more than 45,000 volunteer hours, in partnership with the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Ministry of Health, and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques. The Colleges of Medicine and Business and Economics offered specialized programs to qualify and train students in crowd and disaster management through courses covering administrative, health, and community aspects.
Innovation and logistical support to enhance operational efficiency
The university organized 30 scientific forums and seminars to discuss service development, while supporting innovation by adopting more than 600 high-quality ideas aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing operational efficiency. The university's cultural center welcomed over 13,500 pilgrims as part of programs designed to enrich their experience. The university participated in this Hajj season with a workforce exceeding 2,000 academic, administrative, and technical staff to implement field, organizational, and awareness initiatives. Logistically, the university provided its facilities to participating Hajj organizations as accommodation centers and venues for meetings and events, under the supervision of the University Security Department, the Facilities Management Department, and the Corporate Communications Department.
The President of Umm Al-Qura University, Professor Maadi Al-Mathhab, explained that the university's services stem from its national and humanitarian mission to serve the pilgrims through integrated field and research efforts. Al-Mathhab emphasized that the university is proud to possess national talent and scientific expertise that contribute to developing services and harnessing technology and innovation to meet the aspirations of the wise leadership in providing the best possible services to the pilgrims of the Holy House of God.
