The announcement took place during the fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, a four-day event that brought together local and international experts to explore innovations and technologies designed to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience.

The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s drive to integrate professional expertise into volunteering work.

It seeks to empower organizations and entrepreneurs who serve pilgrims, ensuring high-quality services that align with the Kingdom’s broader vision for sustainable development and community participation.

By focusing on professional volunteering, the program encourages specialists from diverse fields to contribute their skills toward supporting nonprofit and Hajj-related organizations.

The initiative also aims to enhance institutional efficiency, strengthen human capabilities, and improve the overall management of Hajj services through modern methods and innovative technologies.

Key areas of focus include financial sustainability, developing business models for nonprofit organizations, and identifying investment opportunities that ensure long-term success.

Additionally, it emphasizes the integration of digital transformation and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and boost volunteer engagement across all sectors serving pilgrims.

This initiative also contributes directly to the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to increase volunteer participation in national development and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in humanitarian service.

Through these efforts, the Kingdom continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a culture of giving, innovation, and collaboration.

The Hajj Conference served as a dynamic platform where experts, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world gathered to share ideas on enhancing the pilgrim experience.

Delegates from Islamic countries, government agencies, and private companies showcased new systems designed to ensure smoother, safer, and more efficient Hajj operations.

Exhibits featured advanced smart transport solutions, digital health monitoring systems, and crowd management technologies, all aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of millions of pilgrims.

These innovations reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in smart infrastructure and technological transformation to make every aspect of the pilgrimage seamless.

One of the most engaging panels at the conference focused on photography and documentary filmmaking, highlighting their crucial role in preserving the spiritual and cultural memory of Hajj.

Experts discussed how photography captures not only the rituals of Hajj but also the profound emotions, unity, and faith that define the experience.

Speakers noted that visual documentation serves as an educational bridge, connecting generations and promoting global understanding of the pilgrimage’s significance.

They emphasized developing Saudi photographers’ talents to tell compelling stories that reflect the values of peace, compassion, and humanity that lie at the heart of Hajj.

Another session explored Hajj’s cultural and social dimensions, focusing on symbols, traditions, and customs that shape the collective memory of Muslim societies.

Scholars and researchers stressed that Hajj is not only a religious obligation but also a cultural journey that deepens the shared consciousness of the Muslim world.

Participants highlighted the importance of documenting oral histories, preserving heritage artifacts, and promoting collaboration between universities, museums, and research institutions.

These partnerships are vital for safeguarding the legacy of Hajj and ensuring that its stories and spiritual essence continue to inspire future generations.

Museums and cultural centers play a significant role in preserving the human dimension of Hajj, displaying photographs, artifacts, and personal belongings that tell stories of faith and devotion.

These exhibits provide visitors with an emotional connection to the journey of pilgrims through time, reinforcing the universal message of unity and peace that Hajj embodies.

The new professional volunteering initiative, combined with Saudi Arabia’s continuous innovation in pilgrimage services, represents a forward-looking approach to global service and community empowerment.

It stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to excellence, compassion, and cultural preservation — values that continue to shape its role as the spiritual and humanitarian heart of the Muslim world.

At the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, new innovations are being showcased to make pilgrimage experiences safer, smoother, and more accessible for all.

One standout concept is a cable car system proposed by Anhar Hamid Al-Luhiani, a student from King Abdulaziz University.
Her idea aims to assist elderly and differently-abled pilgrims in reaching the Jamarat (stoning site) efficiently and comfortably.

The cable car would provide safe, sustainable, and smart transport between Muzdalifah and Mina, reducing travel time dramatically.
While walking may take 30 minutes and buses 15, the cable car journey would take only around four minutes, offering a modern and comfortable alternative.

Al-Luhiani’s innovation was inspired by her mother’s challenges during Hajj, motivating her to create a safer and faster way for vulnerable pilgrims to perform their rituals. Her project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision for smarter, sustainable, and inclusive Hajj services.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is supporting similar technological developments that enhance organization and reduce congestion.
These innovations are part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to modernize pilgrimage management with advanced solutions.

Among the standout technologies is Hadi, an AI-powered mobile application introduced by Saudi entrepreneur Abdulaziz Al Shawair.
The app provides step-by-step guidance for pilgrims, from arrival to departure, helping them navigate, plan, and perform rituals efficiently.

Through Hadi, pilgrims receive real-time updates on transportation, crowd density, and optimal times for performing rituals, ensuring smoother movement. The application also offers support in case of emergencies or confusion, making it a valuable digital companion for pilgrims.

Additionally, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with Takween, a startup from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, has developed another smart app.

This system helps track the number of visitors at crowded holy sites in real-time, allowing authorities to maintain safety and manage capacity effectively.

Technology experts like Essam Ewis from Tamkeen highlight how digital tracking promotes better organization and safety during pilgrimage seasons. He stated that the new system helps estimate crowd sizes and maintain smooth pilgrim movement across key sites.

The event also featured international innovators contributing to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation goals for Hajj.
From Indonesia, Garibaldy Mukti introduced the Pilgrim Pal app, a comprehensive tool for managing accommodation, transport, and communication for Hajj and Umrah travelers.

This app simplifies coordination between travel agencies and pilgrims, offering translation, navigation, and emergency assistance features.
It has already been successfully implemented by several Indonesian agencies, proving its global potential and reliability.

Another inspiring product presented was My Wudhu Companion, developed by Mohammed Akoojee and Sumayya Suliman.
It is a portable ablution bottle designed to make performing wudhu easier for pilgrims in crowded or limited-space environments.

Their innovation promotes water conservation while supporting spiritual practices, aligning with environmental sustainability and Islamic values.
The product showcases how small ideas can create significant positive impacts for millions of worshippers.

The exhibition’s Innovation Zone and Hackathon Zone serve as creative spaces for entrepreneurs and developers to design solutions for future pilgrim services. These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s vision to lead globally in technological excellence and hospitality in Hajj and Umrah management.

Through innovation, collaboration, and vision, the Kingdom is paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. The future of Hajj is being shaped today — by creativity, compassion, and cutting-edge Saudi innovation.