Minister of Hajj and Umrah emphasizes empowering students studying abroad to serve the holy sites

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, met with a group of Saudi students studying in the United Kingdom to exchange experiences and enhance their role in serving the country. During the meeting organized by the Saudi Cultural Attaché in London, Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed his pleasure in meeting the students and commended the Cultural Attaché’s role in empowering them academically and culturally.

He highlighted that there are over 14,000 Saudi students currently studying in British universities, representing the Kingdom’s civilization and reflecting its identity, values, and aspirations on the international stage. Dr. Al-Rabiah emphasized that these students have the capability to contribute to the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, particularly in the Hajj and Umrah sector, as sources of knowledge and intellectual innovation to enhance services for pilgrims by leveraging their international expertise.

He also reviewed the Ministry’s achievements in the past year, including welcoming more than 18.6 million pilgrims and launching initiatives like the “Nusk” platform, which increased visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque from 4 million in 2022 to over 13 million in 2024, and the “Makkah Road” initiative that facilitated travel procedures for pilgrims in seven countries.

Dr. Al-Rabiah highlighted the “Researchers in the Service of the Guests of Allah Award,” launched by the Ministry to motivate Saudi students abroad to present their innovative ideas. The award received participation from over 46 students in the UK, who submitted diverse proposals ranging from technological applications to artificial intelligence models and solutions to enhance visitors’ experiences. The Ministry is committed to turning these ideas into practical projects that benefit the Hajj and Umrah system.

The meeting served as an opportunity to strengthen communication with the Saudi students, listen to their aspirations and initiatives, showcasing their vital role in building the future and contributing to the development of Hajj and Umrah through knowledge, technology, and innovation. This meeting aligns with the government’s support for its students studying abroad, enabling them to excel academically and professionally to become active ambassadors for their country and partners in achieving the goals of Vision 2030.