Launch of the Hajj Media Forum: Interactive Technologies to Serve the Pilgrims
The third edition of the Hajj Media Forum kicks off: Interactive technologies and an integrated media vision
In a move reflecting the ongoing development of services provided to pilgrims, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari announced, during a government press conference, the launch of the third edition of the Hajj Media Forum. This initiative falls under the umbrella of the Unified Media Operations Center for Hajj and will be hosted by Makkah at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Exhibition and Events Center from the 3rd to the 6th of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH (May 20-23, 2026). This year's forum features a broad strategic partnership encompassing 25 entities from both the public and private sectors, reflecting the concerted national efforts to ensure the success of this global Islamic event.
General context and strategic importance of covering the Hajj season
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on the Hajj season, dedicating all its resources to serving pilgrims and facilitating their performance of the rituals. With rapid technological advancements, the need has become paramount to keep pace with this development in the media to convey the true picture and the tremendous efforts exerted by the Kingdom to the world. The Hajj Media Forum is an integrated media environment and interactive community specifically designed to support media professionals and journalists in producing their coverage of the Hajj season with the highest standards of quality and professionalism. By providing interactive technologies and supportive media zones, the Forum facilitates the accurate, rapid, and reliable transmission of spiritual experiences and logistical services by local, regional, and international media outlets.
Innovative interactive zones: Hajj Window and Transformation Gallery
This year's forum offers exceptional experiences for visitors and media professionals, featuring a press briefing platform and a creative exhibition showcasing the significant transformation in services provided to pilgrims. Among the highlights is the "Hajj Window," an interactive space offering visitors a unique visual experience that reflects the spirituality of Hajj and the grandeur of the place and time. Also featured is the "Transformation Exhibition," which presents major transformative projects aimed at serving pilgrims in a visually innovative way. This is achieved through diverse and innovative pavilions representing government agencies and the private sector, along with state-of-the-art studios to support live broadcasting and media production.
Broad participation and regional and international influence
The “Transformation Exhibition” features the participation of major sovereign and service entities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, the Guests of God Service Program, and the “Aman” initiative. This diversity reflects the comprehensiveness and integration of the services. On the international and regional levels, the forum, through its “Media Community” section, provides a shared working space that fosters relationship building and the exchange of expertise among media professionals from around the world, contributing to a unified media message and showcasing Saudi efforts globally in a professional manner.
Building on past successes and unifying media efforts
The forum primarily aims to enhance collaboration between the Ministry of Media and its affiliated organizations and various media outlets, unifying efforts through joint press conferences for the Hajj season. This third edition is a natural extension of the resounding success of the previous two. Past editions witnessed a remarkable turnout of over 12,000 media professionals and visitors, and saw the participation of more than 150 local, regional, and international media outlets. These efforts resulted in the production of over 3,000 media reports, underscoring the forum's leading position as a global media platform that contributes to conveying the noble message of Hajj to all corners of the world.
