The first track, known as the Pilgrim Training Track, is designed to provide comprehensive guidance to pilgrims, helping them prepare for the practical aspects of Hajj while performing rituals with confidence, clarity, and efficiency.

This track focuses on three main areas: enabling pilgrims to experience Hajj effectively, understanding the correct performance of rituals, and familiarizing themselves with the systems, services, and facilities available throughout the holy journey.

The program offers 24 educational modules delivered in 15 different languages, making it accessible to pilgrims from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring that all participants receive the knowledge required for a seamless Hajj experience.

The second track, the Language Track, caters specifically to those serving pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques, offering training in more than 35 languages to address the diverse cultural and communication needs of visitors from around the world.

The Language Track not only equips volunteers and staff with linguistic skills but also helps them understand cultural sensitivities, improving the quality of service and interaction with pilgrims, which is essential for managing the global Hajj community effectively.

The launch of these two tracks highlights Umm Al-Qura University’s commitment, through its institute, to supporting the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem while contributing to the enhancement of the pilgrim experience from arrival to departure.

Each training track provides practical, hands-on knowledge that guides pilgrims throughout their journey, enabling them to navigate the holy sites safely, perform rituals correctly, and make full use of the services and facilities provided during Hajj.

The Rafid Al-Haramain program itself was designed with a broad vision, aiming to offer 100,000 training opportunities across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including volunteers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and other community members involved in Hajj and Umrah services.

Through these training programs, participants gain essential skills, including crowd management, health and safety protocols, hospitality and communication skills, and cultural awareness, all of which contribute to the overall smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.

Students from Umm Al-Qura University’s health and education colleges have also been actively involved in the initiative, providing volunteer services and assisting with the training sessions, ensuring that pilgrims receive both guidance and practical support throughout their journey.

The program’s multilingual approach is particularly significant, as it enables pilgrims from all continents to access guidance and instructions in their native languages, reducing confusion, enhancing safety, and promoting a sense of inclusion and comfort during their stay in the Two Holy Cities.

By integrating educational content, volunteer involvement, and language support, the Rafid Al-Haramain program ensures that pilgrims can focus on spiritual reflection and the proper performance of Hajj rituals, while staff and volunteers are fully equipped to address their needs efficiently.

Officials have emphasized that these initiatives represent part of a larger effort to modernize and streamline Hajj services, improve operational management, and provide pilgrims with the knowledge and support necessary for a fulfilling and spiritually meaningful experience.

Overall, the introduction of the Pilgrim Training Track and the Language Track demonstrates a strategic and inclusive approach to enhancing the pilgrimage, reflecting both Umm Al-Qura University’s academic expertise and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s commitment to delivering high-quality services for millions of visitors annually.

The initiative—launched on Thursday by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque—aims to reach an estimated five million listeners, amplifying the spiritual centerpiece of Hajj far beyond the plains of Arafat.

“Spreading the guidance of the Arafat sermon, with its themes of human fraternity, civilizational harmony and religious tolerance, is a cornerstone of our mission,” said Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs. He described the translation project as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims everywhere.

Early Preparation, Global Vision

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the presidency formed a dedicated committee months ago to standardize linguistic terminology, refine theological nuances and ensure technical excellence. The goal, Al-Sudais noted, is to project the Kingdom’s “moderate global message” uninterrupted—whether the listener is in Jakarta, Lagos or London.

Technical Backbone

• Live, simultaneous interpretation will originate from specially equipped studios in Makkah.
• On-site and online channels—including satellite, radio, mobile apps and social platforms—will carry the sermon.
• Sign-language feeds and accessible formats are being developed to widen inclusivity.

Saudi Arabia’s Broader Mandate

The translation drive dovetails with Vision 2030 goals to modernize Hajj services and showcase Saudi leadership in interfaith dialogue. Last year, the Makkah Route Initiative streamlined pre-departure immigration in eight countries; this year’s multilingual Arafat sermon expands the Kingdom’s soft-power outreach to the global ummah.

“By harnessing technology and linguistic expertise, we are honoring our duty as Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques,” Al-Sudais said. “Our aim is a Hajj experience that unites hearts, no matter what language they speak.”

As pilgrims prepare to ascend Arafat in early June, the new translation project promises to weave a single tapestry of devotion—from the desert of western Arabia to every corner of the Muslim world.