In a bold move to boost innovation, reward dedication, and elevate the standard of services offered at Islam’s two holiest sites, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, the President General of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, has unveiled a new initiative tagged the Excellence and Creativity Award for staff under his jurisdiction.
This initiative, launched at the heart of Makkah, is aimed at reinforcing institutional efficiency and professional commitment among the male and female personnel who serve the millions of Muslim faithful that visit the holy mosques each year. According to Dr. Al-Sudais, the award is more than a recognition scheme—it is a strategic intervention to enhance the quality of service, foster healthy competition, and drive continuous development across all operational and administrative units.
During a high-level meeting with members of the newly established award committee, Sheikh Al-Sudais underscored the necessity of recognizing both individual brilliance and collective excellence. He noted that the award categories will include distinctions for outstanding male and female staff, as well as recognition for administrative departments that show exceptional teamwork and innovation in the delivery of religious and logistical services.
In what observers see as a forward-thinking approach, the Presidency is also exploring partnerships with non-profit and civil society organizations. The goal is to tap into external expertise that can complement internal efforts, ensuring that services rendered at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque meet global standards of excellence, efficiency, and spiritual hospitality.
This award aligns with the broader framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national reform agenda that seeks, among other goals, to modernize institutions, embrace technological innovation, and raise service delivery standards across the kingdom. Vision 2030 places particular emphasis on enhancing the experience of pilgrims and religious tourists—a mission Sheikh Al-Sudais says remains central to the award’s purpose.
In his remarks, the revered cleric reiterated that this new honour is not just a token of appreciation, but a direct reflection of the Kingdom’s leadership commitment to the continuous improvement of Islamic service institutions. “We are not only recognizing staff performance,” he stated, “but we are also nurturing a culture of creativity, belonging, and excellence that will, God willing, carry our sacred institutions into a brighter and more efficient future.”
This latest development has been welcomed by stakeholders and staff members alike, who see the award as both an incentive and a responsibility—a call to serve the sacred mosques with even greater devotion, innovation, and professional pride.
