The 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition

The 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition or "Hajj Expo 2023" is the second edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition. It is an international conference organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah from January 9 to 12, 2023, in Jeddah City, under the theme "Quality in the Services System." The event attracted over sixty thousand visitors and featured the participation of more than two hundred companies specializing in Hajj and Umrah services, along with several government agencies dedicated to serving pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The conference seeks to gather and attract thought leaders and change-makers, including researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It aims to present the projects and initiatives launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to improve and sustain the services offered to pilgrims, foster competitiveness, and enhance experience upon addressing challenges and anticipating future trends within the Hajj and Umrah services system.

The themes covered by the 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition were featured in many scientific sessions and workshops offered by several decision-makers, experts, leaders, and researchers. They sought to enhance the quality of services offered to pilgrims. They were attended by experts from local and international government and private entities as well as more than 210 companies specializing in Hajj and Umrah services.

The conference featured several associated events and activities. It also discussed means for cooperation and mechanisms for achieving the main objectives contributing to the system development, fostering pilgrims' satisfaction, and enhancing the added value of services, ultimately meeting the needs and aspirations of Hajj and Umrah performers.

The conference organized two competitions: the "Hajj Challenge" and "Ibtikari." In the "Hajj Challenge," first place was awarded to the "Story of Makkah" project team, second place to the "Matai" project team, third place to the "Ihtiwa" project team, fourth place to the "Wujid" project team, and fifth place to the "Lost" project team. In the "Ibtikari" competition, the first place went to Saad Jamil al-Qurashi and Partners, the second place to Nusuk al-Mashaer Company, and the third place to Saleh al-Zafiri Company.

The structure of the 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition featured several sessions, including a session entitled "Infrastructure and Maintenance of the Holy Sites." The session shed light on the projects executed by the Ministry of Energy and the efforts of the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services to achieve the Hajj and Umrah sector's targets. It explored the readiness of the infrastructure of the Holy Sites, including the quality of the Internet network coverage and communication services. It also highlighted the efforts deployed by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the quality of health services offered by the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's pavilion at the 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition showcased its services for pilgrims in twelve languages through interactive technology. The pavilion presented the comprehensive Umrah guide, which includes religious instructions, procedural matters, and health awareness, starting from the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. It also featured a guide to the landmarks of Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, including details on the correct way to wear the Ihram, along with a guide to the rituals at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as the Day of Sacrifice and the guide to the stoning of the Jamarat.

The Saudi Railway Company "SAR" Pavilion at the 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition introduced visitors to its primary mission of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors by enhancing transportation services. It also aimed to improve the lives of citizens, visitors, and residents of the Kingdom by shortening distances, improving their work performance, and increasing productivity.

The Ministry of Interior's pavilion introduced visitors to the services it provides for the pilgrims, as well as its initiatives under the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030. The pavilion also showcased the services of various sectors under the ministry's Civil Status Agency, the National Center for Security Operations, the General Directorate of Passports, the General Traffic Department, and the Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security. Additionally, it highlighted the applications "Absher," "Midan," and "Banan," as well as the Ministry of Interior Personnel Club in Makkah al-Mukarramah. The contributions of the Vision Realization Office and the security sectors within the Ministry to the Pilgrims Experience Program were also presented, particularly through the Makkah Route Initiative.

The International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization participated in the 2023 Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition by allowing visitors to explore the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), in Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah through virtual reality technologies. Visitors could also discover rare artifacts and items mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.

The pavilion offered an experience of viewing the Prophet’s Sacred Chamber through virtual reality technology, along with the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) pulpit. It provided insights into his etiquette, morals, and teachings through a scientific approach, innovative presentation, and modern technology. The museum utilized contemporary technologies to display the essence of the Islamic religion and its teachings, and to provide knowledge about the Hajj and Umrah system.