JEDDAH: The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium was held in Jeddah on Sunday and gathered scholars, intellectuals and officials from across the Islamic world to reflect on the evolving significance of Hajj in the context of current global challenges.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), this year’s symposium was held under the theme “Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.”

The event underscored how Hajj remains a deeply spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian ritual that has adapted to today’s logistical and societal challenges.

It sought to align the foundations of Islamic teachings with the practical realities of modern Hajj, from technological and health developments to logistical transformations affecting every step of the pilgrimage.

The Grand Hajj Symposium has served as a platform for scholarly exchange for over four decades, fostering dialogue on Hajj among academics and religious leaders.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “This year’s preparations for Hajj are the result of integrated efforts aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Guests of Allah Service Program.”

He noted that the efforts of the Saudi authorities had significantly improved pilgrim satisfaction from 74 percent in 2022 to 81 percent in 2024. The readiness level for Hajj this year, as of Saturday, had reached more than 97 percent, compared to 81 percent last year.

He added: “We have focused on enhancing the digital Hajj experience and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate the pilgrim’s journey, ensure their safety, and enhance their comfort.”

Key initiatives include infrastructure upgrades led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, including 170,000 sq. meters of shaded areas, 20,000 newly planted trees, and the construction of rubberized pedestrian walkways at the holy sites.

Healthcare provisions have also been expanded with a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid response stations, and 64 two-story health complexes.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has implemented an advanced operational package encompassing enhanced mobility systems, improved spatial guidance, upgraded audio systems, children’s hospitality centers, and an enriched itikaf (spiritual retreat) experience.

Al-Rabiah said: “What we witness today in terms of harmony and readiness among various sectors reflects the leadership’s care for the pilgrims and its commitment to enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and seamless environment.

“We strive and hope that these efforts will contribute to the continual development of the Hajj system and the elevation of the pilgrim’s experience year after year.”

Saleh Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said that the commission was established to deliver integrated services in line with Vision 2030.

He added that a newly launched general transport center had brought together more than 10 entities to streamline the transportation of pilgrims.

With over 23,000 buses and the Al-Mashaaer train system in place, the transportation network provides safe and efficient mobility for pilgrims.

Enhancements to Makkah’s central area and the completion of ring roads have further improved access.

Al-Rasheed also stressed that projects managed by the Kidana Development Company — including upgrades in signage, shading and pedestrian facilities as part of a broader strategy — had helped to elevate the overall experience of Hajj.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Grand Mufti, said that those unable to obtain a Hajj permit fell under the ruling of lacking istita’ah (capability), even if they were physically and financially able.

Educating pilgrims on the jurisprudence of istita’ah was among the key duties, as it served to facilitate the rituals and protect lives, he explained.

Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized the importance of complying with Hajj permit regulations to ensure public health and safety.

He said that performing Hajj without a permit “causes significant harm to law-abiding pilgrims and every visitor to the holy sites.”

The Ministry of Interior, alongside other agencies, has led a campaign to curb violations to help contribute to smoother crowd control and reduce risk of overcrowding.

Prince Faisal bin Salman, the special adviser to King Salman and chairman of Darah, noted the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to pilgrims.

He said: “Serving the pilgrims has been regarded as a sacred honor, a duty, and a historic responsibility entrusted to the leadership of this nation — generation after generation.

“Their diligent efforts (King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) have led to the implementation of major infrastructure projects and comprehensive services — both logistical and humanitarian — that accompany the pilgrims from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom until their safe departure to their destinations.”

Darah also announced a new knowledge-based project to expand research and documentation to reinforce the cultural and scholarly role of the Two Holy Mosques and facilitate scientific and scholarly exchange among researchers and experts from across the Islamic world.

The symposium’s program also featured a series of insightful sessions and workshops focused on enhancing the Hajj experience.

“Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims” highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic approach to improving pilgrimage services, while another session explored the religious and practical dimensions of a pilgrim’s ability to perform Hajj.

Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, the deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, delivered a keynote address on enhancing service quality and leveraging capabilities to care for pilgrims.

The symposium also included two specialized workshops: one focused on health services, and the other on media and awareness to support and inform pilgrims.