Hajj and Umrah Research Forum highlights sustainability of hotel buildings in central Makkah

Saudi academics at 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research, presented innovative ideas in the form of research projects and studies in Madinah. (SPA)
Saudi academics at 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research, presented innovative ideas in the form of research projects and studies in Madinah. (SPA)
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Updated 09 October 2025
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Hajj and Umrah Research Forum highlights sustainability of hotel buildings in central Makkah

Saudi academics at 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research, presented innovative ideas. (SPA)
  • The forum was aimed at improving the experience of pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors

MADINAH: Saudi academics at the 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research, presented innovative ideas in the form of research projects and studies in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The forum was aimed at improving the experience of pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.

Researcher Dr. Abdulaziz bin Awad Al-Majnouni told SPA that his participation in the forum was an opportunity to present his research project, which discusses the concept of “Sustainability of Hotel Buildings in the Central Area of Makkah,” by analyzing sustainability performance in hotels in terms of alternative transportation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Al-Majnouni said that the study, conducted under the supervision of Umm Al-Qura University, revealed that integrating renewable energy faces financial and technical obstacles when implemented in hotels. 

He noted that hotels are gradually adopting sustainability practices, waste management, and indoor air quality improvement. 

He also highlighted the importance of enhancing energy efficiency through advanced monitoring systems, renewable energy initiatives, improved water management using sub-meters, recycling, awareness campaigns, and establishing more comprehensive waste management systems while improving air quality. He further praised the progress achieved by hotels in Makkah’s central area in the fields of energy and water services.


Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation

Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation
Updated 11 min 11 sec ago
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Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation

Saudi entertainment authority launches new program to spark creativity and innovation
  • It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals

RIYADH: The General Entertainment Authority has launched the “Entertainment Innovations” program to boost creativity and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector.

Aimed at empowering talent and entrepreneurs, the program helps develop solutions that enhance sector growth and global competitiveness, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Registration is now open for the program. More than 100 participants will form diverse teams supported by mentors and industry experts, the SPA added.

The program includes several phases: registration via the authority’s website, screening and team selection for a virtual bootcamp, and a three-day challenge culminating in final presentations before judges, where winners will be honored.

The program focuses on building business models, brand identity, prototypes, and go-to-market strategies, the SPA added.

It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals and foster collaboration among creators, investors, and experts.

The program targets three goals: promoting innovation in entertainment, attracting specialized talent in technology, design, and entrepreneurship, and expanding the pool of young creatives in the sector.

In total, SR300,000 ($80,000) in prizes and support packages worth more than $1 million will be awarded to the top three winners.