JEDDAH (GNP): Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf will take a delegation to the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, which runs from 8 to 11 November under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is organising the event in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program. More than 520 government, private and nonprofit bodies from over 150 countries are expected.
Yousuf will also attend a meeting of heads of Hajj affairs offices with Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. The meeting is meant to review arrangements for the 1448 AH Hajj season and improve coordination with Saudi authorities. Its aim is to make the journey easier for Pakistani pilgrims, improve the services available to them, and settle arrangements and service contracts well in advance, so that the pilgrimage runs smoothly from arrival in Saudi Arabia to the return home.
The conference is an international platform for leaders, officials, Hajj affairs offices, service providers and specialists to discuss how to develop the Hajj services ecosystem and to present solutions that improve readiness and service quality. Discussions will centre on three areas: infrastructure and operational services, empowerment and integration, and sustainable development.
A specialised exhibition covering more than 67,000 square metres will run alongside, bringing together providers in aviation, transport, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, innovation, workforce services, investment and business development. Visiting delegations can see at first hand the services and solutions available at each stage of the pilgrim’s journey.
This edition has more than 15 main zones and programmes, including the Hajj Conference, Hajj Council, Business Center, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Zone, Hackathon and the first Awareness and Training Forum, along with Technology, Health, Media and Aviation Oases. The programme includes specialised forums, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops and business meetings, as well as platforms for launching initiatives, announcing agreements and showcasing innovations. These give delegations and Hajj affairs offices a chance to explore cooperation with service providers and finalise arrangements for the coming season.
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Pakistan’s participation, through its Hajj Affairs Office, reflects its continued commitment to caring for its pilgrims, addressing their needs and completing service arrangements and contracts early. It also underlines the importance of coordination with Saudi authorities to improve readiness and ensure the necessary services during the 1448 AH Hajj season.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
