Minister of Islamic Affairs launches the second phase of awareness campaign for Umrah pilgrims
His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and General Supervisor of the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah and Visitation, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, inaugurated today the second phase of the Umrah awareness program. This ambitious program, implemented by the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness, is part of a comprehensive strategic plan that will continue until the end of this year's Umrah season.
Details of the second phase and target figures
The second phase aims to provide a massive package of outreach and awareness services, reaching 18,863,500 services, bringing the total number of services provided this year to a record 29,351,900. These efforts are distributed across all locations where pilgrims and visitors are present in the Makkah and Madinah regions, ensuring that the awareness message reaches the largest possible segment of the guests of God.
Strategic context and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These efforts are particularly important given the historical context and the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, which places serving pilgrims at the forefront of its priorities. With the increasing numbers of Umrah pilgrims and visitors arriving from all corners of the globe, the urgent need to intensify awareness and guidance efforts becomes paramount. The Ministry's role here is not limited to organizational aspects alone, but extends to consolidating the Kingdom's leading position in serving Islam and Muslims, and facilitating the performance of rituals according to the correct methodology.
Digital transformation in the service of Da'wah (Islamic propagation)
In keeping with technological advancements, the Ministry has focused at this stage on leveraging technology to reach pilgrims in their various languages. The operational plan includes broadcasting 6 million electronic messages via interactive screens and sending 12 million guidance text messages (SMS) to pilgrims' mobile phones in multiple international languages. This digital transformation ensures the rapid dissemination of accurate religious information and contributes to the efficient organization and proper guidance of crowds.
Promoting the approach of moderation and centrism
The Ministry affirmed that these programs aim not only to teach the rituals of Hajj but also to instill the Kingdom's approach of moderation and balance. Field activities include responding to 400,000 calls via the toll-free hotline, conducting 13,500 outreach activities such as lessons and lectures, answering 150,000 questions and providing religious consultations, and distributing 300,000 books and publications. This outreach effort reflects the anticipated positive impact both locally and regionally by projecting a positive image of tolerant Islam and enhancing the pilgrims' spiritual experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors who will carry it back to their home countries.
This inauguration comes as an extension of the unlimited support that the wise leadership - may God support it - gives to the Islamic affairs sector, and its constant keenness to harness all capabilities to serve the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques, in a way that achieves reassurance and tranquility for them while performing their rituals.
