Empowering Pilgrimage Services: Highlights from the Hajj Lab 2025
In January 2025, Jeddah became the hub of innovation and expertise for Hajj and Umrah services. The Hajj Lab, a three-day intensive training event, concluded on January 16, leaving an indelible mark on over 2,000 participants from across the globe. Organized by the Licensing and Training Center for Workers in the Service sector of Hajj and Umrah, under the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this initiative is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to enhancing pilgrimage experiences.
The event served as a melting pot of knowledge, offering 45 workshops led by more than 60 trainers. Designed to address every facet of the Hajj ecosystem, the sessions spanned topics from crowd management to digital transformation, ensuring attendees left with actionable insights and advanced skills.
Abdul Bari Al-Salami, the General Supervisor of the Licensing and Training Center, emphasized the event’s structured approach. “Twenty workshops each day,divided into five sessions,were held across four halls,each capable of hosting around 40 trainees,” he explained. “Trainers from both government sectors and companies providing Hajj services shared their expertise to ensure that attendees were well-informed about the latest regulations, technologies, and strategies.”
This year’s theme focused on innovations for the upcoming Hajj season. Ayad Fadl, Director of the Licensing and Training Center, highlighted the event’s role in driving progress. “These workshops are a yearly opportunity for us to introduce innovations and improvements,” he said. “We aim to observe the impact of each workshop, evaluate its effectiveness, and decide how to expand the training throughout the year.”
One of the key discussions centered on new regulations at Nusuk, a platform for Hajj pilgrims. Ahdab Badr, the center’s training Content Accreditation Officer, noted, “We use the Hajj Lab to increase awareness and gauge the audience’s response. If accomplished, Nusuk aims to implement these changes on their official platforms.”
With a target of training over 150,000 workers this year, the center is focused on developing soft skills among service providers. “We aim to create a more efficient workforce, which is crucial for enhancing the overall Hajj experience,” Badr added.
Collaboration played a pivotal role in the event’s success. sara Sheikh, Expo Operations Manager at Sela Company, a partner in hosting the lab, shared insights into their contribution. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah aims to ensure the quality and variety of the workshops, notably in nine specialized areas of focus, including crowd management, project management, medical and health services, digital transformation, business intelligence, and marketing,” she said.
One of the standout sessions, led by Eng. Ameenah Naytah, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, explored the role of technology in pilgrimage services. “We began by introducing the concept of digital transformation, then discussed the tools and technologies that are available to enhance sustainability,” she explained. “The Hajj Lab was an essential platform for the ministry to interact with the audience, understand their level of knowledge about digital transformation, and gather feedback that will guide future developments.”
Another impactful workshop, conducted by Omar Bassam Bani Kenana, a data management consultant, focused on improving data quality in the Hajj system. “We worked closely with the audience to explain how we improve data quality across all departments and systems in the ministry. Our goal is to raise awareness about its importance and provide insights into best practices,” he said.
for attendees like Mohammed, a consultant at Nusuk, the event was transformative. “The sessions provided invaluable insights into the latest developments in Hajj services,” he shared. “The practical knowledge was eye-opening, and I now feel better equipped to apply these new strategies in my work. This event not only expanded my understanding but also inspired me to be part of the continued innovation in the Hajj ecosystem.”
the Hajj Lab 2025 stands as a testament to Saudi arabia’s dedication to elevating the pilgrimage experience through innovation, collaboration, and skill advancement.
