The historical and national context of serving the guests of God
Serving the pilgrims is a great honor and a historic responsibility that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has borne since its founding. At the heart of these efforts stands Umm Al-Qura University , one of the Kingdom's most prestigious academic institutions, established to be a beacon of knowledge in the Holy City of Mecca. Thanks to its strategic location and academic standing, the university has dedicated all its research and human resources to serving those visiting the Grand Mosque, in line with the objectives of the "Serving the Pilgrims Program," one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the Hajj and Umrah experience.
A comprehensive system of efforts during the month of Ramadan
As part of its ongoing commitment, Umm Al-Qura University contributed to a comprehensive system of research, volunteer, and training efforts during the holy month of Ramadan. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of services provided to visitors and pilgrims, and to facilitate their performance of rituals with ease and peace of mind, by integrating academic knowledge with practical application.
Research studies and crowd management
On the research front, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at the university conducted six specialized field studies. These studies focused on vital areas including transportation, crowd management, the urban environment, and enhancing the visitor experience. Efforts included monitoring environmental risks in the central area, assessing hotels' compliance with approved standards, and measuring the operational efficiency of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Modeling and simulation techniques were also employed to optimize vehicle movement and measure the quality of trolley service within the Grand Mosque, positively impacting traffic flow and reducing congestion during peak times.
Volunteer epics and advanced healthcare
In the field of volunteer work, the university's students and faculty set outstanding examples, with 2,591 volunteers contributing over 54,850 volunteer hours. These efforts encompassed health, security, guidance, and awareness initiatives. The "Systematic Umrah" program, presented by the College of Medicine, stood out, harnessing the energy of students from health colleges through three tracks: a foot patrol for first aid (605 students), a hospital-based clinical training track (433 students), and a health awareness track (63 students).
Innovation and development of historical sites
To foster innovation, the university, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, launched the third edition of the "Historical and Cultural Sites Hackathon." The hackathon aims to utilize modern technologies to enrich the experience of pilgrims. Additionally, the King Salman Chair for Makkah History Studies offered specialized workshops and field visits highlighting the cultural heritage of the holy city, thus enhancing the cultural dimension of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.
Rehabilitation and cultural interface
The university's cultural center welcomed over 4,000 visitors during the holy month, who explored heritage artifacts reflecting the rich history of Mecca. To ensure the continued quality of services, the university conducted 23 training programs for frontline staff during the Hajj season, in addition to launching a communications campaign to support the university's endowments that bolster education and scientific research.
Expected impact and leadership support
These efforts have a significant local, regional, and international impact. Locally, they contribute to the development of infrastructure and services in Mecca. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom presents a model to be emulated in managing millions of pilgrims and utilizing scientific research to serve humanity. The President of Umm Al-Qura University, Professor Dr. Maadi bin Mohammed Al-Mathhab, affirmed that these achievements are the fruit of the wise leadership's directives, the support of His Excellency the Minister of Education, and the diligent follow-up of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Governor of Mecca Region, and His Highness the Deputy Governor, thus solidifying the university's pioneering role in serving Islam and Muslims.
