King Salman’s message reaffirms Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims; 34 service providers, 70 million Nusuk users and 93pc pilgrim satisfaction highlight sweeping reforms

JEDDAH, Monday, November 9, 2026 (WNP): Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reaffirming the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to enhancing services for pilgrims through technological innovation, infrastructure development, international cooperation and comprehensive preparations.

On behalf of the King, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the four-day event on Sunday at the Jeddah Superdome under the theme “From Makkah to the World.”

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 realization programmes, the opening ceremony was attended by princes, ministers, heads of Hajj delegations and representatives of pilgrims’ affairs offices from across the Islamic world.

During his visit to the accompanying exhibition, Prince Saud reviewed the latest technologies, enrichment initiatives and smart solutions developed to improve services for pilgrims. He also toured the pavilions of participating government, private-sector and nonprofit organizations.

Delivering a message on behalf of King Salman, Prince Saud welcomed the participants to their second home, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and conveyed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ greetings.

The royal message reaffirmed that serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims remains at the forefront of the Kingdom’s priorities, with continued efforts to develop the Hajj system, enhance service quality, adopt the latest technologies and strengthen coordination among government agencies.

It emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains committed to facilitating every stage of the pilgrims’ journey, from their departure from their home countries until their safe return.

The message further noted that the continued success of Hajj seasons reflects the readiness and high efficiency of the Kingdom’s Hajj system, while the Hajj Conference and Exhibition has emerged as a key platform for strengthening cooperation, concluding agreements and enhancing operational preparedness.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Committee Tawfig Al-Rabiah, in his address, outlined major transformations in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, highlighting the expansion of service providers, greater competition, digital innovation and improved access for international pilgrims.

He said the number of companies providing services to international pilgrims had increased to 34, while direct contracting arrangements had expanded to 58 countries.

The minister also highlighted the Direct Hajj Program, which has enabled pilgrims from 75 additional countries to perform Hajj, and said preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season had already begun in coordination with pilgrims’ affairs offices in 78 countries.

Al-Rabiah further highlighted improvements at the Holy Sites and in transportation services, alongside digital transformation initiatives that have expanded the Nusuk platform and application to more than 70 million users worldwide.

He noted that pilgrim satisfaction had reached 93 percent during the 1447 AH Hajj season, describing the conference as a global platform for early preparations, partnership development, contract finalization and continuous improvement in services.

An address on behalf of heads of pilgrims’ affairs offices was delivered by Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mochamad Irfan Yusuf. The ceremony also featured the launch of the Awareness and Training Forum and a unified portal for workers.

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the signing of eight agreements and memoranda of understanding witnessed by Prince Saud, covering education, tourism, aviation, research, innovation, humanitarian initiatives and transportation infrastructure.

Among the agreements was a cooperation arrangement between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Education to enable education-sector personnel to contribute to serving pilgrims.

Another agreement with the Ministry of Tourism aims to enhance the quality of accommodation services in Makkah and Madinah, while a memorandum of understanding with Saudia Airlines provides for establishing and operating a pilgrim travel terminal in Makkah.

The ministry also signed a cooperation agreement with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to develop talent, research and innovation in pilgrim services.

Other agreements included an MoU between the King Abdulaziz Endowment for Al-Ain Al-Azizia and the Haji and Mu’tamer’s Gift Charitable Association (Hadiyah) to improve the experience of visitors and worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites.

A strategic partnership was signed by the General Authority for Awqaf, the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Nusuk Humanitarian Foundation to establish and support initiatives dedicated to serving pilgrims.

Another agreement between the General Authority for Awqaf and the Nusuk Humanitarian Foundation provides for establishing and operating a portfolio of development and humanitarian projects for pilgrims.

The eighth agreement concerned the Wasel Al-Haram project, signed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, through its executive arm, the General Transport Center, and two private-sector consortia.

Valued at SAR5.6 billion, the project aims to develop stations and routes leading to and from the Grand Mosque, improving transport connectivity and the quality of services through public-private cooperation.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Prince Saud honored the participating entities and partners in recognition of their contributions to the conference.

The sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition will continue for four days, bringing together more than 520 government, private-sector and nonprofit entities from Saudi Arabia and abroad, with participation and attendance from over 150 countries.

Covering an exhibition area of more than 67,000 square meters, the event brings together pilgrims’ affairs offices, service providers, organizations and specialists to advance early Hajj preparations, improve services and develop partnerships and innovative solutions.

From expanding international access and digital services to signing eight strategic agreements and launching a SAR5.6 billion transport project, the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition underscores Saudi Arabia’s drive to make the journey of the Guests of Allah increasingly seamless, safe and spiritually enriching.