August 21, 2025
General Religion

Saudi Ministry Launches Innovation Programme to Boost Hajj Services Through Entrepreneurship

Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina on June 6, 2025. The ritual commemorates Abraham’s stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God’s order to sacrifice his son. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

In a strategic move to elevate the quality and innovation of Hajj services, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unveiled a new initiative, the Creativity and Entrepreneurship Program. This forward-thinking platform aims to harness the power of startups and entrepreneurial ventures to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims worldwide.

The programme is designed to support both emerging and established enterprises by offering two specific pathways: the Development and Innovation Track and the Startups Track. These tracks are tailored to enable participants to either advance existing projects or test the feasibility of novel ideas tailored to the Hajj service sector.

According to the Ministry, the core objectives of the initiative include the development of creative, impactful products tailored to the unique demands of Hajj operations, providing a platform for startups to validate their innovative concepts, and spotlighting the dedication of Hajj service providers in serving the Guests of Allah with excellence.

The program is open to companies directly involved in Hajj services, organisations within the broader Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, both locally and internationally, as well as innovative enterprises eager to contribute to the spiritual and logistical dimensions of the pilgrimage.

With registration open until August 23, the Ministry encourages eligible organisations to seize this opportunity by submitting their applications via the official portal. Interested parties can apply by scanning the QR code provided on the official flyer or by visiting www.haj.gov.sa. For further inquiries, the Ministry can be reached through its dedicated hotline on 1966 or via +966920002814.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to integrate innovation into religious tourism, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 agenda to modernise key sectors while maintaining spiritual integrity and cultural heritage.