Saudi officials are studying ways in which to enrich the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims on their religious journey.
Governor of the Makkah region, Prince Khalid al-Faisal, inaugurated on Tuesday the 20th “Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research.”
The forum aims to present the results of research and scientific studies on improving the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, as well as shedding light on the best practices in crowd management, while creating effective communication channels between concerned parties and sectors in managing the pilgrimages.
Discussions focused on ways to develop and improve the pilgrims’ experience through various services and at various locations at the holy sites. They also tackled the introduction of cultural and scientific activities that the pilgrims can take part in, such as field trips, shopping outings and recreational events.
They addressed economic, environmental and social sustainability to boost local production. They also studied ways to reduce pollution, support clean energy and increase the holy sites’ capacity to take in more pilgrims.
Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al Al-Sheikh said the forum is in line with the efforts exerted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at Umm Al Qura University to involve researchers and specialists in improving the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Over a hundred scientific studies have been submitted to the forum, he revealed. They tackle economic management and media, health, information technology and architectural aspects of the pilgrimages.
Over 25 public and private sector agencies are taking part in the event.
The second day of the forum will include a ministerial meeting on the Kingdom's success in combating the coronavirus pandemic. It will also tackle the impact of the pandemic on the Hajj and Umrah.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Benten; Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al Al-Sheikh; Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah; and President General of the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais will participate in the meeting, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
