Hajj Mission Leaders Begin Training Ahead of 2027 Season

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a training programme for members of Hajj mission offices and group leaders ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage season, with 11 tracks focused on leadership, operations and pilgrim services.

The programme is running alongside the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah from November 8th to 11th and is organised in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program. More than 520 government, private and nonprofit organisations from Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating, with representatives from over 150 countries.

Training covers transport, housing and accommodation, catering, crowd management, healthcare and services at the holy sites, alongside preparation and readiness, customer service, communication, media, hospitality centre leadership and group leadership.

Participants will also receive training in planning, supervision, decision-making and the management of risks, crises and emergencies. A train-the-trainer model is included so participants can transfer skills within Hajj affairs offices after the programme.

Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat visited the venue with several deputy ministers to inspect training facilities and review progress across the different tracks.

The wider Hajj Conference and Exhibition is also being used to finalise procedures, arrangements and contracts for the 2027 season. Sessions are organised around infrastructure and operational services, empowerment and integration, and development and sustainability, while innovation-focused components include the Innovation Zone, the ‘Future of Hajj Innovations’ bootcamp, the Technology Oasis and the Hajj Innovations Exhibition.