JEDDAH: The first Non-Profit Sector Forum in Service of Pilgrims was inaugurated at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, government representatives, nonprofit organizations, private sector representatives and donors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Al-Rabiah highlighted the growing role of the nonprofit sector in serving pilgrims, noting that the number of associations has increased fiftyfold over the past five years, making it a core component of the Hajj and Umrah services ecosystem.

He underscored the ministry’s commitment to empowering the sector by moving “from readiness to sustainability” through a nonprofit strategy for Hajj and Umrah covering 2026 to 2030.

The strategy aims to increase diversity, improve effectiveness and enrich the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers, the SPA reported.

The ministry oversees more than 100 associations serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors through partnerships, innovative initiatives and integrated cooperation between government, private and nonprofit sectors to improve efficiency and service models.

The forum featured a panel discussion on the future aspirations and expected impact of the nonprofit sector in serving pilgrims, the SPA reported.

The session was moderated by Rakan Al-Maddah, vice president of the Kingdom Discovery Sector at the Pilgrims Experience Program, with participation from Musad Al-Daood, mayor of Makkah Municipality; Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat; and Ghazi Al-Shahrani, CEO of the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques.

Panelists said that the nonprofit sector is an active partner in serving pilgrims, noting that the next phase requires greater diversity and a stronger role within the integrated Hajj and Umrah services system.

Another panel focused on sustainability solutions for the nonprofit sector, addressing funding, partnerships and social responsibility. Speakers emphasized the need to strengthen support, expand partnerships and empower initiatives to enhance the visitor experience.

The forum aims to build the institutional capacity of nonprofit organizations, improve operational readiness and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the SPA reported.

It also seeks to enable endowments and donors to adopt innovative funding and investment models that ensure sustainable, high-quality impact, while strengthening strategic partnerships across sectors.

The forum includes three special workshops to build capacity and institutional readiness, an accompanying exhibition to diplay initiatives and projects, and the signing of agreements to formalize partnerships and enhance cooperation.