Saudi authorities providing Haj services are learning foreign languages, and Urdu in particular to better serve foreign pilgrims.
Urdu is the most-used language in Haj operations, as a large number of pilgrims come from South Asian countries.
Taibah University in Madinah is conducting regular language courses for officials involved in Haj operations for the sixth consecutive year. Urdu is a priority language even though English, French, Persian and Turkish are also being taught to bridge the gap between ethnic groups and Saudi officials.
Altaf Rahman bin Shallah, head of the Urdu language-training program at Taibah University, said that understanding Urdu makes agencies perform their duties more effectively. Language courses are offered to employees at agencies and ministries that are involved with Haj pilgrims, as well as some private agencies.
Urdu training, led by Basma bint Ahmed, is provided to women employees in the Prophet’s Mosque to help pilgrims.
Officials learning Urdu to serve pilgrims better
