Forum on digital transformation of Hajj, Umrah visit system begins in Madina

Jeddah: Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Prince Faisal bin Salman, Governor of Madina, inaugurated the 21st Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research and the accompanying exhibition on Wednesday.

As per a report by The Arab News, the three-day forum — titled "Digital Transformation in the Hajj, Umrah and Visit System" is being held at the King Salman International Convention Centre and is organised by Umm Al-Qura University.

The aim of the event is to highlight the latest developments in digital transformation in the field and provide a platform for the sharing of ideas and expertise.

The event served 16 targets and seven programs within Saudi Vision 2030 related to the structure and services of the Hajj, Umrah and visit sector, and to serving guests of the Two Holy Mosques.

The opening ceremony witnessed the screening of a documentary highlighting the interest and efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia in the service of Hajj and Umrah.

As per reports, academic researchers with an interest in Hajj, Umrah and visit studies, experts in digital transformation, and representatives from the public and private sectors, financial and educational institutions and youth leaders have attended the inauguration.

In his speech, Prince Faisal hailed the priority that the kingdom's leadership gives to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to the holy places.

He also took note of how Saudi Arabia has become one of the best countries to adapt and employ technology in all fields, citing the technical progress the kingdom has achieved before, during and after the pandemic.

As per Turki Al-Amr, dean of the institute, the forum will showcase the latest developments in digital transformation in the field, and provide a platform for sharing ideas and knowledge.

Workshops and an exhibition are also being held on the sidelines of the forum.

The three main issues that the forum will explore include governance of digital transformation in the Hajj and Umrah system, applying digital transformation to improve the services provided to pilgrims and visitors to the two holy cities, and developing the processes of decision-making and provided services.

In the first session, headed by Amer bin Awad Al-Zaidi, UQU's vice president for educational affairs, speakers shed light on governance of data sharing, privacy and data security, as well as digital transformation risks and opportunities, and the role of digital transformation in the sustainability of the economy, environment and society.

In the second session, which was led by Abdul-Fattah Mashat, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, underlined the digital transformation efforts in the Two Holy Mosques.

Other speakers shed light on the roles digital transformation is playing in receiving pilgrims and visitors to the holy sites. Future utilization of artificial intelligence and its effects in improving Hajj and Umrah services were also discussed in the 90-minute session.

Young people are also participating in the Forum's Hajjathon 2022, a tech competition that aims to connect young generations with the Hajj and is in line with the Kingdom's efforts to stimulate innovation. Hajjathon activities began a day before the official inauguration of the forum.