Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving pilgrims continues to shape the development of the Hajj experience, with royal patronage extending to the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.
The sixth edition of the conference will take place in Jeddah from November 8 to 11, 2026, organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the key programmes of Saudi Vision 2030.
The event is positioned as more than an annual gathering. It provides an early platform for building on the experience of previous Hajj seasons, reviewing operational and organisational practices and preparing for the upcoming 1448 AH Hajj season.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
More than 520 government, private-sector and non-profit entities are expected to be represented at the conference, alongside decision-makers and specialists from Saudi Arabia and other countries.
The participation reflects the Kingdom’s approach to collaboration in developing services for pilgrims and aligns with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, which places improving the pilgrim journey and facilitating the performance of rituals at the centre of development efforts.
Over successive Hajj seasons, Saudi Arabia has continued to develop the wider pilgrim journey, from planning and preparation to arrival, transportation, accommodation, performing the rituals and departure.
This development has included investment in infrastructure and services, advances in crowd management and the increased use of digital technologies to provide more efficient and flexible solutions while supporting comfort, security and safety.
Three Tracks for Hajj Development
The Hajj Conference and Exhibition provides a platform to discuss both operational details and broader strategies through three integrated tracks.
The first focuses on infrastructure and operational services, including transportation and logistics, infrastructure and facility management, accommodation and hospitality, and food and catering.
The second focuses on empowerment and integration, covering security and safety, healthcare, media and communications, and technology and innovation.
The third focuses on sustainable development, including the non-profit sector, entrepreneurship, training and professional development, and enriching the experience of pilgrims.
The three tracks reflect the broad range of areas involved in developing the Hajj experience and managing one of the world’s largest and most complex annual gatherings.
Building on Previous Seasons
The experience gained from previous Hajj seasons provides a foundation for further development. Coordination between different entities, improvements in transportation and services, strengthened security and safety measures, and wider adoption of digital solutions have contributed to the continued development of the Hajj system.
The conference also provides an opportunity to review preparations before pilgrims arrive, including contracts, operational and organisational arrangements, new initiatives and solutions, and partnerships aimed at strengthening readiness.
Lessons learned and accumulated experience from previous seasons can also inform preparations for future Hajj seasons, supporting further improvements in quality, organisation and efficiency.
The royal patronage of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition reflects the continued focus on serving pilgrims and developing the systems and services surrounding their journey.
As the Kingdom prepares for another Hajj season, the conference provides a platform for stakeholders to build on existing experience and explore further ways to make the pilgrim journey more seamless, efficient and developed.
