Riyadh: Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah shared a vision that blends faith, innovation, and service, spotlighting Saudi Arabia's evolving role in enriching the Hajj and Umrah experience.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Rabiah declared, "Serving the pilgrims is not just a duty; it is an honor and a sacred trust," emphasizing the Kingdom's enduring commitment to making the pilgrimage journey dignified, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling. At the heart of the minister's message was a clear philosophy that technological innovation must serve spiritual values, not replace them. "Technology must support our values - not replace them," he stated. "Everything we build must reflect our commitment to dignity, to faith, and to the sacred journey of every pilgrim who comes seeking closeness to Allah."
Dr. Al-Rabiah highlighted several groundbreaking initiatives transforming the pilgrim experience. These include the Electronic Hajj Pathway, developed in partnership with over 80 countries, that coordinates all aspects of the Hajj process digitally, from visa issuance to service contracts. The Nusuk Hajj Platform, now active in 126 countries, empowers pilgrims to independently book and manage their journey, ensuring fair access without intermediaries. Smart Cards provided to each pilgrim link to their personal and health information, enabling safe, efficient movement while preserving the sanctity of the experience.
Artificial intelligence is being used at the Grand Mosque to help manage crowds and respond swiftly to emergencies, all without disrupting the spiritual atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Nusuk App, which now offers over 100 digital services in 20 languages, has helped issue more than 13 million permits to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, marking a significant leap from 4 million in 2022. Reflecting on recent milestones, Al-Rabiah celebrated Saudi Arabia's achievement of welcoming over 18.5 million pilgrims in 2024, a testament to the Kingdom's investment in both infrastructure and human-centered innovation.
In addition to technological advancements, Al-Rabiah underscored efforts to preserve Islamic heritage. Saudi Arabia has already restored 55 historical Islamic sites ensuring pilgrims remain connected to the rich history of Makkah and Madinah. Commending these efforts, the director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Dr. Farhan Nizami said, "Saudi Arabia's fusion of faith, history and cutting-edge solutions sets a global standard for pilgrimage management. The Kingdom's approach effectively balances tradition and innovation, inspiring countries worldwide."
Dr. Al-Rabiah concluded his address by inviting scholars and global partners to contribute to the continuous evolution of the Hajj and Umrah journey. "We welcome your ideas, your research, and your help in sharing this model with the wider world," he said. The Oxford address reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's leadership in shaping a pilgrimage experience rooted in service, guided by belief, and empowered by modern solutions.