By Ibrahim Muhammad
National Coordinator
Independent Hajj Reporters
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
The 5th edition of the Hajj Conference & Exhibition, expected to begin tomorrow, 9th of November has reaffirmed its position as a leading global platform dedicated to advancing Hajj services and strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders locally and globally. With participation from 95 countries, the exhibition brings together officials, industry leaders, and decision-makers to exchange expertise, showcase solutions, and build strategic partnerships that enhance the pilgrim experience. This edition expands in both scale and scope, featuring a larger exhibitor base, enriched content, and targeted engagement with key government and private-sector stakeholders committed to innovation and sustainability.
The Vision, according to the organizers is to highlight Saudi Arabia’s critical role in transforming the Hajj ecosystem & exemplifying the country’s unwavering commitment to improving the industry and exceeding the expectations of Allah’s esteemed guests.
The conference will bring together a group of decision-makers, subject-matter experts, leading academics, and researchers, in addition to Ministers of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Hajj, as well as ambassadors and consuls representing countries from around the world.
There is going to be 25 Conference Sessions, 20 keynote speakers and 95 Expert Speakers, 22 Hajj Talks, over 950 Global Delegates and 26 hours of Exclusive Insights
In addition, the exhibition will offer an interactive platform that brings together participating countries and service providers under one roof to showcase the latest innovations and solutions aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience and improving the quality of services, with an expected 150,000 Visitors. 280 Exhibitors, Hajj mission from 90 Countries. Also, over 250 agreements will be signed at the event.
The workshops will host a series of sessions focused on the Hajj services sector, featuring participation from government entities, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.
The innovation zone will offer an opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies from startups, while highlighting the success stories of entrepreneurs. It also showcases creative ideas and promising solutions shaping the future of Hajj services.
The Hajj Logistics Hackathon aims to inspire innovators and technical talents to develop intelligent digital solutions that enhance the pilgrim experience. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of transportation and logistics operations during the Hajj season, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Through this platform, participants are encouraged to design and implement solutions that advance key areas, including pilgrim services, crowd management, digital transformation in transportation and logistics, smart mobility, and innovation in health and medical services.
There will be a Winners Exhibition – Mubdioon (Hajj Track) that will provide an opportunity for Hajj companies distinguished by innovative initiatives during the Hajj season 1445 AH to showcase their innovative products and services to visitors and stakeholders in the Hajj sectors, highlighting their achievements and bringing them into the spotlight.
The Startup Companies Exhibition in Hajj will bring together emerging technology companies and other innovative enterprises that provide services supporting the various sectors of Hajj, whether seasonal or year-round. It offers visitors and stakeholders the opportunity to explore the latest technologies and directions in serving the pilgrims.
The Hajj Chefs Challenge, which will be organized in collaboration with Ashraqat Company, other catering companies, and Hajj service providers, is a pioneering initiative in catering innovation, where elite Saudi chefs and promising talents present inventive dishes that blend national identity with international professionalism, providing an inspiring and impactful experience for pilgrims during the Hajj season.
More importantly, the Platform for Signing Cooperation Agreements between Hajj Service Companies and Other Entities supports entrepreneurs and innovators by enabling them to present their services and products during the Hajj season of 1447 AH, through partnerships and linkages with Hajj service providers. Service level agreements will be signed during the conference.
The Business Clinics Zone is to offer diagnostic and advisory sessions to empower innovative SMEs in the sector, addressing operational and administrative challenges, and targeting the highest-impact drivers of service quality for pilgrims.
The Conference Agenda: There will be a Panel Discussion titled from Vision to Reality: Integrated Sectors in Serving Pilgrims. This session discusses the role of integration between government and service sectors in serving pilgrims by highlighting the readiness of infrastructure, health, logistics, and media services – all contributing to an exceptional pilgrim experience in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It will commence by:01:30 – 02:25pm local time
Speakers include H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Committee. Minister of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing, H.E. Mr. Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing and H.E. Mr Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services
Pilgrims’ Arrival Journey: Enhancing Efficiency and Streamlining Procedures. This session will highlight the pilgrim arrival journey, focusing on facilitating entry through air, sea, and land ports by leveraging digital solutions to accelerate procedures and ensure smooth movement – reflecting the Kingdom’s modern and welcoming image. It also sheds light on inter-agency collaboration to deliver safe and seamless services for Hajj and Umrah visitors. It will start from 03:45 pm to 04:00 pm to be moderated by Mr. Sami Jamil, a Media Professional
Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Murabba, the General Director of Passports, will deliver the keynote lecture
