Umm Al-Qura University Conducts Research To Enhance Pilgrims' Experience During Hajj And Umrah

Umm Al-Qura University is committed to enhancing the pilgrimage experience through education and research. The university offers a range of high-quality programs, focusing on studies, research, training courses, and volunteer work. These initiatives aim to improve the experience of pilgrims by encouraging scientific and creative research.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research has been pivotal in this mission. It has conducted 17 research studies involving 34 researchers and over 458 data collectors. These studies span various fields such as crowd management, security, safety, enrichment, sustainability, technology, and artificial intelligence.

To further support innovation, Umm Al-Qura University has organized five hackathons. These events aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in serving pilgrims. Approximately 30,000 innovators have participated in these hackathons, contributing ideas to enhance the pilgrimage experience.

The university's translation efforts are noteworthy. In collaboration with Wadi Makkah for Technology Company and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, translations of Friday and Eid sermons are provided. The sermon on the Day of Arafah is also translated into more than 20 languages, benefiting around 600 million people globally.

The "Wifadah" electronic platform is another significant initiative by Umm Al-Qura University. This distance learning platform has registered over 34,000 beneficiaries. It aims to enhance the skills of personnel involved in Hajj operations by offering various educational resources.

Educational Programs for Future Leaders

Umm Al-Qura University offers specialized educational programs through its Colleges of Medicine and Business and Economics. These programs focus on training students in crowd and disaster management as well as skills necessary for managing Hajj and Umrah seasons. Courses cover diverse administrative, health, and societal aspects to prepare students effectively.

The university's research studies also include measuring pilgrims' satisfaction across different languages such as Turkish, Persian, Hindi, Russian, and English. This multilingual approach ensures comprehensive feedback from a diverse group of pilgrims.

Through these initiatives, Umm Al-Qura University continues to play a crucial role in improving pilgrimage experiences while fostering innovation and education in Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA