JEDDAH: A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the aim of financing a specialist center to raise awareness of the guests of God of available services. The signing, between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Guests of God Service Program with the General Authority of Awqaf, took place at the third Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah. The event, under the patronage of King Salman, was inaugurated by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah. The four-day conference is organized by the ministry in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, part of Vision 2030. The planned center will focus on raising the awareness of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the services provided by government agencies and private and nonprofit sectors. Another agreement was signed between the Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Co. and the General Authority of Awqaf, aiming to establish a hotel wings project worth SR2.5 billion ($666.6 million). Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said pilgrims from 67 countries utilized the Nusuk app for Hajj reservations last year, adding: “The ministry aims to enhance the digital experience by offering comprehensive services through the application, including visa issuance, Hajj and Umrah bookings and guidance materials.” He emphasized the priority placed on pilgrims’ health and safety by the Kingdom and the ministry, as well as the aim of attracting greater numbers year on year. Al-Rabiah announced the hosting of more than 13.5 million Muslims who performed the Umrah rituals during 2023. The minister emphasized that countries without Hajj missions utilized Nusuk to directly serve pilgrims. The platform served 67 countries last year, he said, expanding to 126 for the current Hajj season of 2024. Pilgrims could easily and transparently choose their packages and services and obtain their Hajj visa directly without intermediaries, he added. Al-Rabiah highlighted the ongoing development of the infrastructure of the holy sites through projects exceeding SR5 billion, saying 150,000 new air conditioning units would be installed to address challenges posed by weather conditions. Makkah Mayor Musad Aldaood said towers erected on holy sites to replace tents would be put to the test during this year’s Hajj. The Makkah municipality was dedicated to maintaining pilgrims’ health by regularly spraying the 160,000 tents and 90,000 sanitary facilities with pesticides at the end of each Hajj season, ensuring a clean and safe environment for the next pilgrims. Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji highlighted the use of technology to tackle obstacles and enhance efficiency. He said the KSA Visa application initiative aimed to help pilgrims obtain their visas electronically without the need to visit the embassy. Electronic visas contributed to addressing security and health challenges, he added, with necessary precautions taken to deal with fake visas in conjunction with the authorities. President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said a supervisory committee had been formed to improve coordination among various agencies and ensure smooth transportation. This aimed to facilitate the movement of pilgrims between their accommodation and airports, avoiding overcrowding and ensuring safe transportation of luggage. Al-Duailej said over a million bottles of Zamzam holy water were shipped to pilgrims’ countries last year. He urged Hajj agencies and agents worldwide to coordinate in advance to schedule flights and select safe aircraft and carriers to ensure pilgrims had comfortable and secure journeys.