Jeddah event to focus on improving pilgrim services through innovation, technology and global partnerships; more than 67,000 square metres dedicated to exhibition zones and programmes
JEDDAH, Saturday, November 7, 2026 (WNP): Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will inaugurate the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition on Sunday at the Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 520 government, private-sector and nonprofit entities, with participation and attendance from over 150 countries.
Held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the four-day event is being organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 realization programmes.
At a press briefing in Jeddah on Saturday, Assistant Deputy Minister for International Relations and Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi described the conference as a key milestone in preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.
He said the gathering provides a platform for government entities, Hajj affairs offices, service providers, companies and specialists to identify pilgrims’ needs, develop practical solutions, establish partnerships and finalise service arrangements and contracts.
The sixth edition will cover more than 67,000 square metres and feature over 15 main zones and programmes, reflecting the scale of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to further develop the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem.
Three key tracks will shape the conference’s scientific programme: infrastructure and operational services; empowerment and integration; and development and sustainability.
The programme will also feature the Hajj Council, an accompanying exhibition and dedicated initiatives to promote innovation and support startups. The Awareness and Training Forum will make its debut under the theme “From Awareness to Empowerment,” focusing on strengthening awareness tools, improving training programmes and enhancing the readiness of personnel serving pilgrims.
Highlighting the achievements of previous editions, Dr. Alnwaimi said the first five conferences had generated more than 1,850 service agreements, hosted over 310 sessions and 250 workshops, and attracted more than 570,000 visitors.
He stressed that the real value of the conference lies not merely in discussions and announcements, but in translating agreements into contracts, actionable plans and practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements in pilgrims’ experiences.
The theme of this year’s conference, “From Makkah to the World,” reflects the Kingdom’s accumulated expertise in organising Hajj and Umrah, managing large crowds, developing services and harnessing technology and innovation.
It also underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sharing its experience and expanding international partnerships to improve services for pilgrims from across the globe.
From planning to implementation, the conference aims to turn global cooperation into better services for pilgrims—making every stage of the Hajj journey more efficient, integrated and accessible.
