The Health and Security Forum during Hajj kicks off under the patronage of the Minister of Interior
The third edition of the Health and Security in Hajj Forum kicks off
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, the third edition of the “Health and Security in Hajj Forum” commenced this morning, Sunday. This prominent event, organized by the General Directorate of Medical Services at the Ministry of Interior, will continue from May 17 to 19, 2026, with broad participation from a distinguished group of dignitaries, officials, experts, and specialists from various entities related to security and health matters.
General context and historical background of the Kingdom's efforts in Hajj
Since its unification, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has devoted considerable attention and care to serving the pilgrims, as Hajj is one of the largest human gatherings in the world. Managing millions of pilgrims within a specific geographical and temporal scope requires exceptional efforts and high-level coordination among all security and health sectors. Within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, and specifically the “Pilgrims Service Program,” the Kingdom continuously strives to enhance the quality of services provided and employ the latest technologies to ensure the performance of the rituals with ease, convenience, and safety. This forum builds upon the Kingdom’s accumulated successes over decades in crowd management and the provision of advanced healthcare.
The importance of the forum and its expected impact locally and internationally
The Hajj Health and Security Forum serves as a specialized and strategic professional platform for discussing the most important issues related to pilgrim safety. Locally, the forum contributes to strengthening the integration of efforts between the public and private sectors and enhancing preparedness and rapid emergency response. Regionally and internationally, the forum reflects the Kingdom's global leadership in the field of mass gathering medicine and the management of large-scale human events, making it an international reference point from which countries and global organizations can draw best practices and successful experiences in managing major events.
Supporting the development of technological solutions and innovations
This year's forum features a rich and diverse scientific and practical program, including more than 15 panel discussions, 6 keynote speeches, and 3 specialized workshops. Recognizing the importance of innovation, the forum will host a TEDx event, as well as a hackathon where approximately 90 teams will compete to develop creative solutions to Hajj challenges. A large exhibition will also be held, featuring more than 30 entities representing the government, private, and non-profit sectors, showcasing the latest initiatives, services, technologies, and field experiences related to health and safety during Hajj.
Main themes of the Health and Security Forum
The forum highlights a range of strategic themes that shape the future of services provided to pilgrims, most notably:
- Sustaining excellence in health and security-related services during Hajj.
- Prevention and health preparedness to deal with any medical emergency.
- Digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in crowd management.
- The role of media and effective communication in guiding and educating pilgrims.
- The importance of scientific research and innovation in developing the Hajj system.
- Building strategic partnerships and exchanging experiences locally and internationally.
These pillars collectively aim to support and develop innovative solutions, anticipate future opportunities, and build upon leading national experiences in this vital field, ensuring a safe and healthy spiritual experience for every pilgrim arriving in the Holy Land.
