Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
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Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the challenge phases of its competition that is aimed at introducing innovative solutions to improving the pilgrimage experience.

The competition was announced through the Open Innovation Platform.

The top three finalists of the competition will receive prize money of up to 50,000 riyals.

The ministry has opened the competition to anyone who believes they have innovative and pioneering ideas that can improve the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Participants have until May 23 to submit their ideas.

The ministry had held a virtual training seminar on the impact and importance of open innovation.

The platform aims to create the largest innovation community in the Kingdom in cooperation was various sectors.

It will help facilitate communication with the sectors and propose solutions to problems with the aim of improving society and the national economy as a whole.

Participants in the competition will be able to develop their research skills and overcome challenges through several innovative paths.

The competition will also hold consultative and training sessions and provide the opportunity to develop pioneering projects and receive support from participating parties.

The Hajj challenge is divided into three paths: The main services path that focuses on the challenges encountered by pilgrims, the enrichment path that focuses on services that enrich their experience, and the virtual experience path that covers the digital platforms available to the pilgrims.



Saudi Foreign Minister Leads Kingdom’s Delegation at G20 Summit

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah holds discussions with officials on the sidelines of the G20 summit. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah holds discussions with officials on the sidelines of the G20 summit. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Leads Kingdom’s Delegation at G20 Summit

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah holds discussions with officials on the sidelines of the G20 summit. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah holds discussions with officials on the sidelines of the G20 summit. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is heading the Kingdom's delegation at the G20 summit in Brazil, which began Monday and runs for two days.

Representing Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Faisal arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The delegation includes Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and Deputy Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Khalaf, Saudi Arabia’s G20 Sherpa.

The delegation is attending G20 summit meetings to address global political and economic challenges and promote international cooperation for prosperity.

The G20 accounts for 90% of global GDP, 80% of world trade, and two-thirds of the global population.

The G20 summit kicks off with the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and a session on “Reforming Global Governance.”

On the second day, leaders will discuss “Sustainable Development and Energy Transitions,” followed by an official lunch, bilateral meetings, and a closing ceremony where Brazil will hand over the G20 presidency to South Africa.

Al-Jadaan emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to multilateral cooperation to achieve sustainable development, stabilize the global economy, and tackle challenges faced by developing and low-income nations.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s participation highlights its rapid economic growth and global influence. Al-Jadaan also praised Brazil’s efforts to lead the summit under the theme, “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”

The minister outlined Brazil’s main priorities for this year’s G20 presidency: tackling hunger and poverty, reforming global governance, and promoting sustainable development. These align with the group’s focus on multilateralism, food security, and global growth.

The G20 has played a key role in past crises, including the 2020 summit hosted by Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and that helped stabilize the global economy and support struggling nations.

Formed in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, the G20 includes 19 countries, the EU, and the African Union, representing major global economies like the US, China, India and Saudi Arabia.

South Africa will lead the group in 2025, followed by the US in 2026.