As the time for Hajj approaches, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and its affiliated organizations have come up with a number of apps and services designed to help millions of Muslims complete Hajj this year.
This year, the Hajj charitable organization Hadiyah (Arabic meaning gift) has created a Breaking the Silence program for Hajj pilgrims, with 300 volunteers participating.
During the trip, the new effort will provide translation services, guides for overseas pilgrims, and information at all holy sites, including the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Turki Al Hetershi, Hadiyah’s executive director, said the charity provides an easier platform for volunteers to give back during the Hajj season.
As part of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s Ministry of Labour and Social Development aims to increase the level of voluntary work in various regions.
The initiative is not the only service provided by the kingdom to help bridge the language gap.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has introduced several electronic services to improve pilgrims’ experiences.
The services include a Sharia awareness app that educates pilgrims on Hajj rituals, and offers a translator if the pilgrim requires a language other than Arabic
The Rushd app was launched to provide a library and electronic web Quran service.
The ministry believes in the importance of digital transformation and intends to “to implement all digital transformation standards according to the kingdom’s Vision 2030”, said Islamic Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al Asheikh.
Comfort and Spirituality in the Prophet’s Mosque – launched by the Presidency in Madinah – is an e-programme that welcomes pilgrims to the site.
