Hajj plans begin early as global pilgrimage industry gathers in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Months before the first pilgrims begin arriving in Saudi Arabia, much of the groundwork for Hajj is already taking shape in Jeddah.

Representatives from more than 520 organizations across 150 countries are gathering at the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition, where governments, airlines, hoteliers, technology firms and service providers are negotiating the partnerships and logistics that will help shape next year’s pilgrimage season.

Held at Jeddah Superdome from Nov. 8-11 under the theme “From Makkah to the World,” the event has become one of the largest annual meetings dedicated to Hajj and Umrah services.

Speaking during the conference, Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s assistant undersecretary for international relations and official spokesperson, said the gathering has evolved into an important platform for planning and coordination ahead of…