Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, launched a major Haj Research Forum at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah on Wednesday and reminded Saudi Haj managers of their responsibility in taking care of millions of pilgrims who come from around the world.

“It is a great honor for Saudi Arabia and its people to host the guests of God, while at the same time being a big responsibility on our shoulders,” the crown prince told a large gathering of officials, academics and students.

He said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah instructed top government officials to provide maximum care to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

“I am here on behalf of the king to launch this forum,” the crown prince said, while reiterating the Kingdom’s efforts to provide the quality services to pilgrims by implementing massive development projects in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah, Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari, Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar and other senior officials attended the opening ceremony at King Abdul Aziz Historical Hall in Abidiya campus.

Bakri bin Maatuk Assas, president of Umm Al-Qura, underscored Saudi Arabia’s endeavors in the service of pilgrims.

He also noted the special care given by the government to the holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

“The expansion projects implemented by the Saudi government in the two holy cities, as well as in the holy sites, are the largest in history,” he said.

He said the Haj and Umrah Research Institute at the university is manned by highly qualified researchers and is provided with advanced facilities.

Atif Asghar, dean of the Haj & Umrah Research Institute and chairman of the organizing committee, welcomed Prince Salman and participants, while highlighting his institute’s efforts to improve the atmosphere for Haj and Umrah by conducting research studies.

He said the forum would discuss about 40 research papers presented by experts.

Prince Salman later watched a documentary on the institute’s Haj research efforts and the massive projects carried out by the government in Makkah and other holy sites for the welfare and safety of pilgrims.