The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing a distinguished experience for pilgrims, blending religious values, innovation, and service. He emphasized that hospitality is not just a duty but a sacred honor, and that the Kingdom seeks to offer a facilitated spiritual journey filled with dignity and spirituality. Al-Rabiah highlighted the importance of technology supporting values rather than replacing them, stressing that everything built should reflect commitment to dignity, faith, and the sanctity of the journey for each guest of the Most Merciful.
He shed light on several pioneering initiatives that have revolutionized the service for pilgrims, such as the electronic path in cooperation with over 80 countries, and the “Nusk” platform available in 126 countries. This platform allows pilgrims to manage their trips independently, as well as smart cards connecting pilgrims with their personal and health information to facilitate movement and ensure safety. Artificial intelligence has been adopted in the Grand Mosque to manage crowds and respond to emergencies quickly without disrupting the place’s tranquility. The “Nusk” application offers over 100 digital services in 20 languages, issuing more than 13 million permits to visit the Holy Grave, up from 4 million in 2022.
Al-Rabiah also highlighted recent achievements, including hosting over 18.5 million pilgrims during the year 2024, reflecting the fruits of investments in infrastructure and human innovation. Moreover, he stressed the importance of preserving Islamic heritage, mentioning the Kingdom’s restoration of 55 Islamic and heritage sites to strengthen visitors’ connection with the authentic Islamic history of Makkah and Madinah.
Dr. Farhan Nizami, the director of the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, praised these efforts, stating that the Kingdom’s integration of faith, history, and advanced technological solutions sets a global standard and achieves a balanced blend of tradition and innovation. The minister’s speech in Oxford exemplified Saudi Arabia’s leadership in developing the Hajj and Umrah experience based on service, faith, and modern technology.
