Umm Al-Qura University serves pilgrims in 1447 with 1469 volunteers and 40 languages
Serving the pilgrims is a great honor and a historical and social responsibility that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has borne since its unification. At the heart of these great efforts stands Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, a leading academic institution whose strategic geographical location adjacent to the Grand Mosque grants it a pivotal role in providing academic, research, and field support during the Hajj season. In this context, the university mobilized all its human and research resources to serve the pilgrims during the 1447 AH Hajj season through an integrated system that supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Pilgrim Service Program, which aims to facilitate the pilgrims' spiritual journey and enrich their religious and cultural experience.
Research and consulting efforts to enhance service quality
To ensure the provision of the best services, the university has dedicated its resources to offering a diverse range of scientific studies related to Hajj and Umrah. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, affiliated with the university, has conducted 16 in-depth research studies, involving more than 20 specialized researchers in vital fields including environmental, health, engineering, and administrative aspects. These studies cover Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites, reflecting the regional and international impact of this research in improving the Hajj experience for millions of Muslims from around the world.
In addition, the Institute of Research, Studies and Consulting Services contributed to the implementation of 12 specialized studies in cooperation with 50 entities from the governmental, private and non-profit sectors, with the aim of developing the integrated work system and improving the level of services provided.
Skills development and crowd management
The wise leadership recognizes that human resources are fundamental to the success of any large-scale organization. Therefore, the university offered 348 training courses, totaling over 1.8 million training hours, aimed at building capacity and developing the skills of those serving pilgrims. The Colleges of Medicine and Business Administration and Economics developed specialized programs to train students in crowd and disaster management through courses covering administrative, health, and community aspects. This is of paramount importance in maintaining the safety and security of pilgrims in the holy sites.
Leading field and volunteer initiatives
On the ground, the university participated this season with a workforce exceeding 2,000 personnel from the academic, administrative, and technical staff. The university also strengthened volunteer work by training 1,469 volunteers who contributed more than 45,000 volunteer hours, in strategic partnership with sovereign entities such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Ministry of Health, and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques.
To overcome language barriers for pilgrims from around the world, the university provided guidance programs and translation services in more than 40 languages, in cooperation with the Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers. The university's cultural center also welcomed more than 13,500 pilgrims as part of programs designed to enrich their experience and promote a positive image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Innovation and logistical support
In support of continuous innovation and development, the university organized 30 scientific forums and seminars, and adopted more than 600 innovative ideas aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing operational efficiency. Logistically, the university made its facilities available to Hajj-related entities as accommodation centers and venues for meetings and events, under the direct supervision of the University Security Department, the Facilities Management Department, and the Corporate Communications Department.
In this regard, the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Professor Dr. Maadi Al-Mathhab, explained that what the university provides stems from its national and humanitarian mission to serve the guests of God, stressing the university’s pride in possessing national competencies and scientific expertise that contribute to developing services, and harnessing technology and innovation to keep pace with the aspirations of the wise leadership in providing the best services to the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God.
