Makkah | BETH | B

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Umm Al-Qura University will organize the 26th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research on September 2–3, 2026, under the theme:

“Excellence and Integration in the Hajj and Umrah Services Ecosystem.”

The forum will bring together researchers, academics, experts, and specialists from various sectors to discuss the latest studies and practices in crowd management, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, healthcare, logistics, and innovation in serving pilgrims.

The event will also feature a scientific and knowledge exhibition, alongside the fourth edition of the Hajjathon, which aims to attract students, researchers, thinkers, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas and solutions that support the advancement of the Hajj, Umrah, and Visit ecosystem.

BETH Analysis | B

The continuation of the forum for a 26th edition reflects the evolution of the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem from seasonal operations management to a comprehensive knowledge-based model driven by scientific research, innovation, and advanced technologies.

The inclusion of themes such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and logistics highlights how the pilgrim experience is no longer managed solely through operational expertise, but has become a global field for developing scientific and technological solutions.

This reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as an international reference in crowd management and the provision of services to millions of pilgrims according to the highest standards.

The forum also reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to advance the Hajj, Umrah, and Visit ecosystem in line with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.