New initiatives for Hajj 1448 season to enhance pilgrim experience, says minister

Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah held a regular meeting with heads of pilgrim affairs offices from 76 countries as part of the sixth Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition, held at Jeddah Superdome from November 8 to 11, 2026, under the theme "From Makkah to the World."

The meeting discussed preparations for the 1448 Hajj season, with the minister emphasizing that serving pilgrims is both an honor and a responsibility prioritized by the leadership. He stressed that the success of the season begins before pilgrims arrive, through early preparation and coordinated efforts.

Al-Rabiah highlighted new transformations for the 1448 Hajj season aimed at improving the pilgrim experience, boosting operational efficiency, and enhancing service quality. He announced expanded options for pilgrim affairs offices, now including 34 service companies, and the launch of an all-inclusive package covering accommodation, catering, transportation, and services at the holy sites.

The minister underscored the importance of monitoring the readiness of accommodation, catering, and transportation, ensuring meal suitability, and contracting only with licensed companies via the "electronic track" platform. He warned against dealing with intermediaries and brokers.

He also presented the "Comprehensive Journey and Group Management" initiative, which organizes pilgrims into groups of 94, each supervised by a leader and assistant, with their entire journey planned from their home country to their return. He called for early group formation and leader selection.

The ministry announced 11 training tracks for pilgrim affairs offices and 9 for service companies, covering accommodation, catering, transportation, and group management, with a focus on staff training and completion of programs before the season begins.

The minister stressed the importance of a monitoring and compliance system to track the readiness of hospitality centers, camps, and accommodations, assess service quality, and address feedback before and during pilgrims' stay, with results reflected in company evaluations.

He outlined five key priorities for preparations, including adherence to timelines, swift completion of contracts and visa issuance before the closure on the first of Shawwal, early agreements with airlines, and documenting contracts through the "electronic track" platform.

Al-Rabiah reaffirmed that pilgrims' health and safety are paramount, stressing the need for thorough medical checks, completion of vaccinations, and compliance with health requirements.

He called for the qualification of group leaders, appointing a leader and assistant for every 94 pilgrims, ensuring staff training, and implementing training outcomes in operational plans. He also highlighted the importance of accurate pilgrim data and carrying the "Nusuk" card for identification when needed.

The Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition is held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with participation from 520 entities across government, private, and non-profit sectors, and attendees from over 150 countries, supporting early preparations and the development of services for pilgrims.