Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region inaugurates the "Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025" in its fourth edition in Jeddah
تحت رعاية خادم الحرمين الشريفين.. نائب أمير منطقة مكة المكرمة يفتتح "مؤتمر ومعرض الحج 2025" في نسخته الرابعة في جدة
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mashal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, inaugurated this evening the “Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025” in its fourth edition under the theme “A Path to the Pilgrimage”, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Servicing Guests of the Two Holy Mosques Program – one of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives. The event runs from January 13 to 16 at the Jeddah Super Dome. His Royal Highness toured the exhibition held alongside the conference, which specializes in Hajj services and spans an area of 50,000 square meters, reviewing the latest technologies and services that enrich the Hajj experience and improve the services provided to pilgrims and visitors. His Royal Highness welcomed attendees to their “second home,” the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, saying: "It is an honor for me to convey to you the greetings of my master, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – patron of the Fourth Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition 2025. His Highness has honored me to deliver His speech at this conference: 'Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has proudly been honored by God to serve the Two Holy Mosques and to care for their visitors – pilgrims, Umrah performers, and other guests – ensuring their security, safety, and comfort, and facilitating the performance of their rituals. The developmental projects witnessed in the Holy Sites reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to deploying all efforts and resources to improve Hajj and Umrah services. The objectives of Vision 2030 have given great attention to serving the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques from their arrival until their safe departure. The Kingdom will, God willing, continue to fulfill this noble mission with a strong sense of responsibility and honor in serving. In conclusion, we appreciate your presence and participation and pray to Allah Almighty to guide us in this conference to serve the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques from all over the world.'” Prince Saud bin Mashal bin Abdulaziz also launched the “Makkah Taxi” service during the Hajj 2025 Conference and Exhibition – one of the products of the General Transport Center under the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites. It is the first service in Makkah to be licensed under a franchise-based operating system and the first city in the Kingdom to adopt this system. Minister of Transport, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, handed over the operating license for “Makkah Taxi” to the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, Eng. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed, at the service launch platform during the conference. Eng. Al-Rasheed explained that all “Makkah Taxi” vehicles are environmentally friendly, operating on hybrid and electric systems, and highly reliable. This enhances Makkah’s status as a smart and sustainable city that combines spirituality with technological advancement while facilitating and enriching the experience for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and residents. The service will be implemented starting January 13, 2025, in a phased manner, operating 24/7, with 47 locations across Makkah, including main stations and areas surrounding the Haram as the first phase, ensuring accessibility and efficiency. “Makkah Taxi” will operate under a franchise model through licensed operators with fleets approved by the General Transport Center and the General Authority for Transport. The service provides high-quality transportation with multiple payment options, including cash and credit cards. Vehicles are equipped with electronic meters and additional safety features such as onboard cameras, passenger sensors, emergency buttons, and a dedicated call center for customer support. The total number of vehicles is expected to reach 1,800 by the end of 2025, significantly improving transportation services and meeting the growing demand in Makkah. Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, announced the launch of the updated “Nusk” platform with 100 additional services, highlighting that, under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and support of the Crown Prince – may God protect them – over 18 million pilgrims and Umrah performers were served in 2024, and more than 13 million visitors visited the Prophet’s Mosque in the same year. This edition of the conference features 280 exhibitors from various sectors and over 100 speakers, with service providers and Hajj stakeholders from 87 countries, alongside 250 entities from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, and anticipates 100,000 visitors, including ministers, ambassadors, and major local and international service providers. The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and President of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, addressed the conference as Guest of Honor, emphasizing the exceptional services provided by the Kingdom to the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques. He highlighted the League’s over 60-year engagement with pilgrims, its role in educating pilgrims about rituals and regulations, and praised the Kingdom’s leadership for facilitating Hajj services annually. Prince Saud bin Mashal witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, holding airports, and memoranda between companies such as Kaddana and Elm, in addition to launching major projects including Makkah Taxi. The opening session featured participation from Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Mayor of Madinah Eng. Fahd Al-Bulaishi, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah Eng. Saleh Al-Rasheed. The session highlighted the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to provide integrated and sustainable services to pilgrims, ensuring security and safety, reflecting the Kingdom’s distinguished image and civilization, and reinforcing Vision 2030 goals to enhance the pilgrims’ journey. The conference also reviewed the planning and development of the holy cities and sites to serve pilgrims, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s historic and inspiring role in providing these services as part of its religious and national identity. The conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging knowledge, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring transparency among service providers. It involves academics, Hajj mission offices, diplomatic representatives, and over 250 public, private, and non-profit organizations, focusing on challenges in Hajj service development such as sustainability, AI, digital technologies, and innovative solutions. Over four days, the event hosts 280 exhibitors, more than 100 speakers, and participants from over 100 countries, with 50 discussion sessions on shaping the future of services for pilgrims. It expects 150,000 visitors and features participation from ministers, ambassadors, and leading companies, fostering innovation, service development, and performance efficiency. The previous edition of the conference achieved tangible success, with 202 cooperation agreements signed, representatives from 100 countries, extensive media coverage with 1,430 local and international reports, and the accompanying exhibition drew over 100,000 visitors.