Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah unveiled opportunities available to the private sector to provide distinguished services to the pilgrims, in the fields of electronic payments, guidance and vehicles and creative gifts.
Al-Rabiah noted that one of the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is to provide the opportunity to host the largest number of pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah, and to work to enrich and deepen their experience.
He praised the contribution of the private sector, which he described as the main partner in these goals, noting that the government sought to stimulate the sector to help it upgrade its services.
Al-Rabiah’s remarks came during a ceremony held by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to honor the distinguished participants in the programs of the Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in Riyadh.
The program aims to enable entrepreneurial projects in the Hajj and Umrah sector and develop existing services and products to improve pilgrims’ experience, from transportation and accommodation to assistance for travelers who do not speak Arabic or who have special needs.
The ceremony was held under the theme, “Change, impact, and sustainability,” in line with the ministry’s efforts to promote a culture of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship and raise the level of competitiveness between Hajj and Umrah companies in providing services and products to pilgrims.
Maryam Kutob, director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Today, we are celebrating the graduation of 10 startups that have been incubated by the business accelerator in partnership with the Saudi National Bank.”
She noted that the participants worked on 10 different challenges in the field of transportation, residence and overnight stay in Muzdalifah, as well as in serving people with special needs, improving toilets, enhancing the experience of non-Arabic speakers, and many other themes.
