JEDDAH: The 50th Grand Hajj Symposium, held under the patronage of Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, commenced in Jeddah on Wednesday.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Council of Senior Scholars, was attended by dignitaries, academics, and Islamic thinkers from around the world.
In his speech, Al-Rabiah said the Saudi leadership is committed to serving pilgrims at the highest standards, adding that the Kingdom has developed a pioneering model in crowd management through technology.
On behalf of Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars Fahd Al-Majed said: “The directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have enabled the guests of Allah to perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.”
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdul Fattah Mashat said the symposium serves as an intellectual workshop bringing together scholars and experts from around the world to support Hajj operations.
Discussions focused on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop pilgrim services over the decades, awareness programs and their role in guiding pilgrims’ behavior and enhancing their experience, as well as the use of knowledge, innovation, data, and modern technologies to improve operational efficiency and shape the future of Hajj services.
Speaking during a session titled “Regulations and Instructions of the Healthcare System,” Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, assistant minister of health for health services, underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding pilgrims’ well-being during Hajj through advanced healthcare systems and preventive strategies.
He highlighted the importance of health readiness in enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals safely and confidently.
Al-Abdulaali said health readiness is not merely a requirement, but a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s vision to enhance pilgrims’ experiences.
The symposium also featured scientific sessions and discussions on modernizing the Hajj experience through technology and artificial intelligence to improve services and ensure a safer, more efficient pilgrimage for all.
