Hajj Lab empowers global group of trainees

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Hajj Lab boosted the skills of more than 2,000 trainees from around the world in all aspects of pilgrimage. (AN Photo/Afshan Aziz)
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Hajj Lab boosted the skills of more than 2,000 trainees from around the world in all aspects of pilgrimage. (AN Photo/Afshan Aziz)
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Hajj Lab boosted the skills of more than 2,000 trainees from around the world in all aspects of pilgrimage. (AN Photo/Afshan Aziz)
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Updated 16 January 2025
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Hajj Lab empowers global group of trainees

  • Scheme, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, provided a platform for knowledge sharing, training and collaboration, to enhance the services offered to pilgrims during the Hajj season
  • Over the three days, the lab hosted a series of workshops designed to foster learning and development across various facets of the Hajj ecosystem

JEDDAH: An intensive three-day Hajj training event in Saudi Arabia has boosted the skills of more than 2,000 trainees from around the world in all aspects of the pilgrimage.

The Hajj Lab, part of the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition 2025, finished on Jan. 16.

It was organized by the Licensing and Training Center for Workers in the Service Sector of Hajj and Umrah, which falls under the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The scheme, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, provided a platform for knowledge sharing, training and collaboration, to enhance the services offered to pilgrims during the Hajj season.

Over the three days, the lab hosted a series of workshops designed to foster learning and development across various facets of the Hajj ecosystem.

With more than 60 trainers and 45 workshop sessions, the Hajj Lab brought together more than 2,000 global trainees committed to enhancing their skills and knowledge of the Hajj sector.

The workshops, tailored to meet the specific needs of the Hajj, covered new technologies, regulations and services related to transportation, healthcare, security and digital transformation.

General supervisor of the Licensing and Training Center, Abdul Bari Al-Salami, highlighted the comprehensive approach to the workshops.

“Twenty workshops each day, divided into five sessions, were held across four halls, each capable of hosting around 40 trainees,” he said.

“Trainers from both government sectors and companies providing Hajj services shared their expertise to ensure that attendees were well-informed about the latest regulations, technologies and strategies. This is part of our effort to improve services we are implementing for the upcoming Hajj and Umrah season.”

The workshop topics were chosen after extensive discussions with specialists from various sectors involved in the Hajj.

Ayad Fadl, director of the Licensing and Training Center, said: “The theme this year is all about the Hajj season and, particularly, what’s new for the next season. These workshops are a yearly opportunity for us to introduce innovations and improvements.”

The Hajj Lab also serves as a platform to assess the impact of new initiatives and gather feedback from attendees.

“We aim to observe the impact of each workshop,” Fadl added.

“Some sessions focus on specific knowledge areas, while others address broader industry challenges. After each session, we evaluate the effectiveness and decide on how to expand the training throughout the year.”

The Licensing and Training Center’s training content accreditation officer, Ahdab Badr, said: “One of the workshops discussed new regulations at Nusuk for Hajj pilgrims, which is an update for the upcoming season. We use the Hajj Lab to increase awareness and gauge the audience’s response about it. If successful, Nusuk aims to implement these changes on their official platforms.”

With a goal of training more than 150,000 workers this year, the Licensing and Training Center continues to focus on developing soft skills among those who work with pilgrims, based on extensive studies conducted in recent years. “We aim to create a more efficient workforce, which is crucial for enhancing the overall Hajj experience,” said Badr.

Sela Company served as a partner in hosting the lab. Sara Sheikh, Sela’s expo operations manager, highlighted the company’s role in the creation of the workshop programs: “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah aims to ensure the quality and variety of the workshops, particularly in the nine specialized areas of focus, including crowd management, project management, medical and health services, digital transformation, business intelligence and marketing.”

One of the standout sessions, titled “Digital Transformation and its Effect on Enhancing Services Offered to Pilgrims,” was led by Eng. Ameenah Naytah, chief digital transformation officer and e-portal director at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Naytah discussed the importance of digital transformation in enhancing services provided to pilgrims. “We began by introducing the concept of digital transformation, then discussed the tools and technologies that are available to enhance sustainability,” she said.

“The Hajj Lab was an essential platform for the ministry to interact with the audience, understand their level of knowledge about digital transformation, and gather feedback that will guide future developments.”

Another session, titled “Data Quality: From Basics to Best Practices in the Hajj System,” was conducted by Omar Bassam Bani Kenana, a data management consultant.

“In our workshop, we worked closely with the audience to explain how we improve data quality across all departments and systems in the ministry. We aim to raise awareness about the importance of data quality and provide insights into how attendees can apply best practices in their own systems,” he said.

Mohammed, a consultant at Nusuk, said: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to attend the Hajj Lab workshops. The sessions provided invaluable insights into the latest developments in Hajj services.

“The practical knowledge was eye-opening and I now feel better equipped to apply these new strategies in my work, enhancing the experience for pilgrims.

“This event not only expanded my understanding, but also inspired me to be part of the continued innovation in the Hajj ecosystem. I’m looking forward to implementing these lessons and seeing the positive impact on the Hajj season.”


BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

Updated 14 February 2025
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BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

  • Aircraft were repurposed as a restaurant, haunted house and trampoline area
  • Planes were dismantled and transported from Jeddah before joining Riyadh Season

RIYADH: 

Visitors are flocking to a unique Riyadh Season dining experience that hosts a variety of activities inside three retired Boeing 777 aircraft.

BLVD Runway is inviting people to dine inside the repurposed planes that were set up after being transported from Jeddah to Riyadh in a highly publicized road journey in September last year.

Before the aircraft were transported, they were dismantled by Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier. It was the first time that the process had been completed outside a Boeing facility.

Saudia completed the operation in just 45 days, well ahead of an expected 60-day timeline.

The three aircraft were redesigned for multiple purposes: One as a restaurant, another as a haunted house and the third as a trampoline area for children.

To access the attraction, visitors only need to pay for parking, with free entry for all passengers.

Inside the aircraft, guests can experience a unique dining adventure featuring authentic Saudi cuisine at the restaurant “Am Hussain” (Uncle Hussain).

The dining space immerses guests in a dining experience that highlights the richness and diversity of Saudi culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s owner, Hussain Ashmawi, expressed deep appreciation for the vision of General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, who conceptualized the idea.

Ashmawi told Arab News: “This wonderful and modern idea showcases our heritage through the diverse foods of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

“Our offerings garner admiration from both local and international visitors, many of whom are experiencing Saudi dishes for the first time.”

He added: “The food we present on the plane has won the admiration and appreciation of many visitors.

“It allows them to connect with the flavors of our land in a way that is both memorable and enjoyable.”

Ashmawi warmly welcomed visitors to enjoy authentic Saudi flavors, naming his restaurant a must-visit spot for anyone attending Riyadh Season.

The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs.

The restaurant’s decor features traditional Najd-style Sadu red prints and seating inspired by Hijazi designs, creating an inviting environment that celebrates regional aesthetics.

“I was honored to represent Saudi cuisine, and the reactions from our guests are truly priceless,” Ashmawi said.

Visitors can also dine at another restaurant, 10/10 Burger, located in the control tower.

The establishment offers a more contemporary dining experience, catering to a different audience.

Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season 2024 had surpassed 19 million visitors to date. The remarkable turnout highlights the widespread appeal of the event.

The annual medley of events launched in October and recently introduced new offerings, including world-class boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining options and public gardens.

Pleasant weather in Riyadh and a mid-semester school break have drawn families to Riyadh Season activities, particularly the “Dunes of Arabia” area, which has attracted camping and winter enthusiasts.


OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

Updated 14 February 2025
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OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino met in Jeddah on Thursday.

The two officials held talks on cooperation and improving ties between the OIC and Japan.

They discussed several issues of mutual concern, particularly the situation in Palestine.

 


Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

Updated 14 February 2025
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Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended on Thursday the Japanese Consulate General’s reception celebrating the Asian country’s National Day.

Prince Saud was received by Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto, and other consulate officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The governor and the ambassador also held talks on issues of mutual interest ahead of the reception.


Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

Updated 14 February 2025
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Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

  • 2-week course held to enhance the skills of Filipino judges
  • Facilitates exchange of expertise between Saudi, Philippines

RIYADH: Participants in the second judicial course for Filipino judges, held recently at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, have commended the Kingdom’s government for prioritizing the spread of Islamic knowledge and its commitment to serving Muslims.

The two-week course at the university’s Higher Judicial Institute was aimed at enhancing the skills of Filipino judges, and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s course, which concluded on Feb. 12, was the second for Filipino judges. The first course was held in 2022.

The program is part of a series of international judicial training programs organized by the institute in collaboration with countries worldwide. Judges from Malaysia, Indonesia, Comoros, and several other African nations have also participated.

These initiatives aim to foster international cooperation and exchange judicial expertise, further solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership in this field, the SPA reported.
 

 Filipino judges and scholars of the Higher Judicial Institute pose for a souvenir picture at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University ion Riyadh. (SPA)

Islamic law is partially applied in the Christian-majority Philippines and is applicable only to Filipino Muslims. Shariah courts are supervised by the country’s Supreme Court.

Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a law expanding the Shariah judicial system in the Philippines to cover not only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but also other regions.

Under the new law, the Shariah courts have jurisdiction over civil affairs for Muslim communities, including family matters, marriage, and inheritance. Criminal cases remain under the authority of national courts.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

  • Constantine Tassoulas replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday congratulated Greece’s parliament chief Constantine Tassoulas on his election as the country’s new president.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman said he wished the new president every “success,” and for “the friendly people of Greece continued progress and prosperity.”

The crown prince issued a similar statement.

Tassoulas, 65, was elected with 160 votes in the 300-member parliament in the fourth round of voting on Wednesday.

Constantine Tassoulas, left, delivers a speech at the parliament building in Athens on February 12, 2025, after he was elected president of Greece. (Pool via REUTERS)

He replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state, who was not nominated for a second five-year term.

Tassoulas is a member of the governing center-right New Democracy party and a close ally of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A lawyer by trade, he also served as culture minister a decade ago.