Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Committee Tawfig Al-Rabiah highlighted major transformations in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. These included opening up competition and developing the services market, expanding access to Hajj, early preparations for the season, developing the holy sites and transportation, digital transformation, facilitating travel and support services, and enriching the spiritual and cultural journey while improving services at the Two Holy Mosques. He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah yesterday.

He stressed that the shared goal of all conference participants is to make it easier for Muslims from around the world to perform the fifth pillar of Islam: Hajj. He noted that since its launch in 2019 as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 realization programs, the Pilgrim Experience Program has aimed to facilitate pilgrims' arrival and improve the services provided to them.

Al-Rabiah said that opening up competition and developing the services market had expanded the options available to Hajj missions, with each mission now able to choose from among 34 companies providing services to pilgrims from abroad. This has been accompanied by greater direct contracting in 58 countries, making service quality and prices key areas of competition.

Regarding the development of the holy sites and transportation, the minister said that work had been undertaken to improve transport projects and reduce travel times among the holy sites.

He noted that the "Nusuk" platform and application had become an integrated digital gateway for the pilgrims' journey, with the application having more than 70 million Muslim users worldwide. It offers a range of digital services to facilitate the performance of Hajj and Umrah rituals.

He added that the "Hajj without Baggage" initiative handled about 2.9 million bags during the 1447 AH Hajj season, cutting airport check-in and travel procedures from two hours to 15 minutes.

Al-Rabiah noted that these efforts positively affected the pilgrims' experience and satisfaction, with satisfaction rising from 74% in 1443 AH to 78% in 1444 AH, before reaching 93% in 1447 AH.

The minister affirmed that the achievements made and the ambitions the Kingdom seeks to realize are underpinned by the security and stability it enjoys under its wise leadership.