Hajj conference hosts 20 workshops on day two to enhance pilgrim services

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition, held at Jeddah Superdome, organized 20 workshops on its second day, covering specialized topics in operational and technical services, innovation, and enriching the experience of pilgrims. The sessions also addressed training, qualification, and sustainability, with participation from experts and specialists across government, private, and non-profit sectors.

One workshop, "From Voice to Image: Creating Media Content from the Hajj Field," focused on media production skills, reporting, and conducting interviews. Another, "Pilgrim Accommodation: Toward Integrated Hospitality in Makkah and Madinah," discussed the use of advanced technologies to enhance pilgrims' experiences in their lodgings. The "Enriching the Visitor Experience in Madinah" workshop highlighted historical and Islamic sites and value-added services for visitors.

On safety and operational readiness, the workshop "How Entities Address Negative Phenomena During Hajj: Monitoring and Response" examined key risks and prevention strategies. The "Hajj Season Readiness: Early Assessment and Proactive Testing" session reviewed methodologies for measuring readiness and testing operational scenarios.

In the area of security integration, the workshop "Strategic Coordination Among Hajj Entities" emphasized the importance of collaboration between relevant bodies. The "Crowd and Transport Modeling in Makkah and the Holy Sites" session focused on using modeling, simulation, and geospatial data to study crowd and transport scenarios and develop operational plans.

On technology and innovation, the workshop "Pilgrims' Rights in Digital Services: Legislative Framework and Service Provider Responsibility" discussed regulatory aspects of artificial intelligence and protecting pilgrims' rights. Another session, "How Entities Select and Measure AI Value: AI Priorities in Hajj," explored mechanisms for identifying AI opportunities and translating them into practical applications.

The workshop "How AI Enhances the Pilgrim Experience" addressed the use of smart technologies to measure beneficiary satisfaction and analyze feedback. "Technical Integration Among Hajj Entities: From Request to Operation via the Unified Platform" reviewed system integration and data exchange mechanisms between organizations.

In hospitality, the "Integrated Hospitality Services in the Hajj Ecosystem" workshop discussed coordination among service providers. The "National Address Products and Practical Applications in Hajj Season" session explored the use of the national address system in housing, transport, logistics, and improving operational efficiency.

Cultural enrichment and community engagement topics included the workshop "Ritual, Place, and People: Non-Profit Sector Partnerships to Enrich the Pilgrim Experience," which discussed the role of the non-profit sector and local community in enhancing the Hajj journey. Another session, "From Capabilities to Impact: Leveraging University Contributions for Pilgrims," highlighted how universities can support research, education, innovation, consulting, and volunteer work for pilgrims.

The program also covered training, qualification, and entrepreneurship, with the workshop "Excellence of Foreign Hajj Agencies: Development Opportunities and Latest Updates" discussing the experience of foreign Hajj agencies and updates to the "Electronic Path" platform for the 1448 AH season.

The workshop "Social Responsibility for SMEs in the Hajj and Umrah Sector According to ISO 26000" addressed social responsibility practices in business operations. "From Experience to Excellence: Developing the Hospitality Center Leaders Qualification Program" reviewed the development of training programs and materials in preparation for the 1448 AH Hajj season.

The "Communication System for Pilgrims' Affairs Offices" workshop explained how the system operates through the "Nusuk Path" platform and how offices' activities are monitored according to the 1448 AH Hajj season schedule.

The "Enriching the Pilgrim Experience in Domestic Pilgrim Services" workshop focused on improving services for domestic pilgrims from registration to return, highlighting models and practices from previous seasons.

The sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition at Jeddah Superdome continues until Wednesday, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030. The event reflects the leadership's commitment to enhancing services for pilgrims.