The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at Umm Al-Qura University conducted 17 studies and research projects during the last Hajj season, covering crowds, security, safety, enrichment and sustainability studies, technology, and artificial intelligence; all aimed at serving pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.

During the 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Ziyarah Research held at the King Salman International Conference Center in Madinah and organized by Umm Al-Qura University, the institute reviewed its efforts in conducting research related to the Hajj and Umrah service sectors. It noted that 34 academic researchers and 458 data collectors participated in implementing these scientific projects as part of the comprehensive efforts provided by the institute specialized in developing services related to serving pilgrims, visitors, and Umrah performers, and enhancing the Hajj and Umrah system by leveraging modern technologies to improve the pilgrim and Umrah experience.

Key projects implemented by the institute during the last Hajj season included the supervision project on the Nusuk card in Makkah and the holy sites, the licensing and qualification program for workers in the service sector for the Guests of the Merciful, the “Rafid Al-Haramain” initiative to qualify and train workers serving the Guests of the Merciful during Hajj and Umrah seasons, data collection for research studies related to public health in human gatherings during Hajj and Umrah seasons, the qualification and training project for bus guides, the translation project for the General Presidency for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, the development program for workers in the tourism sector serving the Guests of the Merciful, the National Center for Waste Management project during Hajj, and the hospitality training services project during the Hajj season.