Oxford (UNA/SPA) – Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his loyal Crown Prince, to providing a distinguished Hajj and Umrah experience that combines faith, innovation, and service.
During his speech at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, he explained that serving the guests of God is not merely a duty, but rather an honor and a sacred trust, emphasizing that the Kingdom seeks to provide a journey of faith that is facilitated, dignified, and spiritual.
He pointed out that digital transformation does not replace values, but rather supports them, saying: “Technology must support our values, not replace them. Everything we build must reflect our commitment to dignity, faith, and the sanctity of the journey of every guest of God who has come seeking His pleasure.”
He highlighted a number of pioneering initiatives that have revolutionized the way pilgrims are served. These include the e-Track, implemented in collaboration with more than 80 countries, and the Nusuk platform, available in 126 countries, which allows pilgrims to manage their own journeys without intermediaries. He also highlighted smart cards that connect pilgrims to their personal and health information, facilitating their movement and ensuring their safety.
He pointed out that artificial intelligence is being used in the Grand Mosque to manage crowds and respond quickly to emergencies without disrupting the serenity of the place. He also noted the "Nusuk" app, which offers more than 100 digital services in 13 languages and has contributed to the issuance of more than 4 million permits to visit the Prophet's Mosque, up from 2022 million in XNUMX.
His Excellency reviewed recent achievements, noting that the Kingdom will receive more than 18.5 million pilgrims and Umrah performers in 2024, reflecting the fruits of investment in infrastructure and human innovation.
In a related context, His Excellency stressed the importance of preserving Islamic heritage, noting that the Kingdom has restored 55 Islamic and cultural sites to enhance visitors' connection to the authentic Islamic history of Makkah and Madinah.
For his part, Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, praised these efforts, saying, “The Kingdom’s integration of faith, history, and advanced technological solutions sets a global standard, striking an inspiring balance between tradition and innovation.”
His speech in Oxford embodied the Kingdom's leadership in developing the Hajj and Umrah experience based on service, faith, and modern technology.
(is over)
