73 companies approved to serve domestic pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1447 AH
As part of its early preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah the accreditation and qualification of 73 specialized companies and establishments to provide integrated service packages for domestic pilgrims (citizens and residents of the Kingdom) for the 1447 AH Hajj season. This step comes within the framework of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to organize the pilgrimage of the guests of God and raise the quality of services provided to them, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease, tranquility, and peace of mind.
Historical background and ongoing organizational efforts
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed paramount importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for their visitors, including pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The Hajj management system has witnessed tremendous development over the decades, evolving from traditional efforts to a comprehensive institutional system that relies on the latest technologies and best global practices. The process of qualifying and accrediting domestic Hajj service providers is a pivotal part of this system, aiming to regulate the market, protect the rights of pilgrims, and ensure that service providers adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety.
The importance of accreditation and its impact on the pilgrim's experience
The accreditation of these companies is not merely an administrative procedure, but a comprehensive evaluation process that ensures their ability to fulfill their obligations. The Ministry explained that the qualification process was based on the companies meeting a set of precise requirements and standards encompassing regulatory, operational, and financial aspects, in addition to their readiness to provide a comprehensive service package that includes comfortable accommodation in the holy sites, safe and organized transportation, healthy catering, and other support services. This procedure enhances the efficiency of the entire system and elevates the pilgrims' spiritual experience, contributing to one of the most important objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030: improving the experience of the guests of God.
Digital transformation and protecting the rights of pilgrims
The Ministry urged all citizens and residents wishing to perform Hajj to review the list of approved companies and contract exclusively with them through official channels, which will be announced later, primarily the “Nusk” platform and its dedicated mobile application. It emphasized the importance of documenting all transactions electronically to ensure the rights of all parties are protected. The Ministry also strongly warned against dealing with any unlicensed entities or offices, or falling for fraudulent campaigns circulating on social media, stressing that doing so could expose them to the risks of fraud, poor service, or the complete loss of their rights.
Package variety and quality control
Accredited companies are expected to offer a variety of service packages to meet the diverse needs and financial capabilities of pilgrims, providing comprehensive solutions to ensure an organized and comfortable Hajj journey. In a related context, the Ministry affirmed that it will strengthen its monitoring and field follow-up mechanisms during the Hajj season by implementing precise performance indicators to measure pilgrim satisfaction with the services provided. It will also activate 24/7 communication channels to receive inquiries and address feedback immediately, ensuring that all accredited companies adhere to the terms of their contracts and provide the best possible service to the pilgrims.
