Al-Rabiah Presents Vision For Hajj And Umrah At Oxford Centre Address

Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, recently delivered a keynote speech at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience through a blend of faith, innovation, and service. "Serving the pilgrims is not just a duty; it is an honor and a sacred trust," Al-Rabiah stated, underscoring the Kingdom's dedication to making the pilgrimage dignified and spiritually enriching.

Al-Rabiah emphasised that technological advancements should support spiritual values rather than replace them. "Technology must support our values — not replace them," he said. The minister stressed that all developments should reflect a commitment to dignity, faith, and the sacred journey of pilgrims seeking closeness to Allah.

The Electronic Hajj Pathway exemplifies this philosophy by coordinating all aspects of the Hajj process digitally. Developed with over 80 countries, it manages everything from visa issuance to service contracts. This initiative ensures a seamless experience for pilgrims worldwide.

The Nusuk Hajj Platform further empowers pilgrims by allowing them to book and manage their journeys independently. Active in 126 countries, it provides fair access without intermediaries. Smart Cards issued to each pilgrim link personal and health information, ensuring safe movement while maintaining the sanctity of their experience.

Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role at the Grand Mosque by managing crowds and responding swiftly to emergencies without disrupting the spiritual atmosphere. The Nusuk App has expanded its offerings significantly, now providing over 100 digital services in 20 languages. It has issued more than 13 million permits for visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, up from 4 million in 2022.

Reflecting on recent achievements, Dr. Al-Rabiah celebrated Saudi Arabia's success in welcoming over 18.5 million pilgrims in 2024. This milestone highlights the Kingdom’s investment in infrastructure and human-centered innovation.

Preserving Islamic Heritage

Beyond technology, efforts to preserve Islamic heritage are also underway. Saudi Arabia has restored 55 historical Islamic sites, ensuring that pilgrims remain connected to Makkah and Madinah's rich history.

Dr. Farhan Nizami, director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, praised these efforts: "Saudi Arabia’s fusion of faith, history and cutting-edge solutions sets a global standard for pilgrimage management." He noted that this approach effectively balances tradition with innovation.

Global Collaboration Invitation

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Al-Rabiah invited scholars and global partners to contribute ideas and research towards evolving the Hajj and Umrah journey further. "We welcome your ideas, your research, and your help in sharing this model with the wider world," he said.

The address at Oxford reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's leadership in shaping a pilgrimage experience rooted in service and guided by belief while being empowered by modern solutions.

With inputs from SPA