Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah has hosted the 26th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research, bringing together researchers and specialists to develop practical solutions for serving pilgrims. The forum took place on September 2 and 3, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz Historical Hall on the university's Al-Abidiyah campus, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The event is one of the longest-running academic gatherings dedicated to the pilgrimage, and it plays a quiet but important role in shaping the research that underpins crowd management, transport, health and digital services in Makkah and Madinah.

A Platform for Research and Innovation

The forum focuses on scientific research and innovation across Hajj, Umrah and visitor services. It aims to connect academic and research institutions with the executive bodies that run the pilgrimage, so that studies translate into measurable improvements on the ground.

Alongside the research sessions, the university held a scientific and knowledge exhibition showcasing initiatives and innovations from across the sector. The programme also featured the fourth edition of the Hajjathon, an innovation competition that challenges participants to design solutions for real problems faced during the pilgrimage.

Participants included researchers, academics, experts and specialists drawn from institutions across the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. The mix of scholarship and applied competition reflects a deliberate effort to move ideas quickly from the lab to the field.

Aligned With National Goals

Organisers framed the forum as part of the Kingdom's wider development agenda. Its objectives are tied to Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, both of which set targets for increasing pilgrim numbers while improving safety, comfort and the overall quality of the visit.

Prof. Moaddi bin Muhammad Aal Madh-hab, president of Umm Al-Qura University, said the university's efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme. The comment underlines how closely academic work in Makkah is now linked to national planning for the two pilgrimages.

The location itself is significant. Umm Al-Qura University sits at the heart of the holy city, giving its researchers direct access to the environment they study and to the authorities responsible for managing the vast crowds that gather for Hajj and Umrah each year.

Why Research Matters for Pilgrims

Behind the visible improvements pilgrims experience, from smoother crowd flow at the Grand Mosque to better transport and health services, lies years of study and testing. Forums like this one help identify what works, measure results and refine systems before they are deployed at scale during peak seasons.

With Saudi Arabia recording more than 15 million Umrah performers in a single quarter earlier this year, the pressure to manage crowds safely and efficiently continues to grow. Research into density modelling, routing, heat mitigation and digital guidance feeds directly into the tools that keep pilgrims safe.

Practical Takeaways for Pilgrims

While the forum is aimed at researchers and officials, its work shapes the services pilgrims rely on. Pilgrims can benefit by using the official digital tools that emerge from this kind of planning, including apps and services that offer guidance on timing and routes.

  • Follow official guidance: Crowd-management and routing advice is based on detailed study, so heeding it improves safety for everyone.
  • Plan ritual timing: Where tools indicate quieter periods for Tawaf and Sa'i, choosing those windows can ease the experience.
  • Stay informed: Innovations tested at forums like this often appear as new services, so watch official channels for updates before travelling.

The 26th edition reinforces Makkah's role not only as the spiritual centre of Islam but also as a hub of research aimed at serving the guests of the Two Holy Mosques. Organisers said the forum's goal is to produce high-impact solutions that support both pilgrims and national development goals.