Riyadh Hosts Innovative Pilgrim-Mobility Challenge to Enhance Hajj Experience
In a groundbreaking collaboration between the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Umm Al-Qura University, and Wadi Makkah Co., a one-week pilgrim-mobility enhancement challenge was recently concluded at the university’s headquarters in Makkah.
The challenge, which kicked off on May 12, aimed to revolutionize pilgrim services by focusing on assisting people with disabilities in completing Hajj rituals such as Tawaf and Sa’i in innovative ways.
Featuring four categories including manual wheelchairs, electric vehicles, golf carts, and trailers, as well as an open section for creative mobility ideas, the event saw participation from 50 teams, 190 participants, 19 mentors, 10 judges, and 118 mentoring sessions.
The closing ceremony, graced by Umm Al-Qura University President Dr. Moaddi bin Mohammed Aal Madhhab and the CEO of the General Authority, Ghazi bin Dhafer Al-Shahrani, showcased contributions and innovative ideas from organizing bodies and participating teams.
Dr. Ammar Attar, adviser to the General Authority, emphasized the importance of quality partnerships, hailing Umm Al-Qura University as a leader in Hajj and Umrah sciences and technologies. He commended the joint initiative to enhance Tawaf and Sa’i mobility as a significant outcome of this collaboration.
Dr. Ali Al-Shaeri, CEO of Wadi Makkah Co., lauded the challenge’s success and impact, underscoring its role in the university’s innovation program to enhance the pilgrim experience through effective partnership with the General Authority.
Majed Al-Fuwaiz, secretary-general of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, praised the challenge for promoting innovation to create a safe and appealing working environment that meets local and international safety standards for those serving pilgrims.
The ceremony culminated in the recognition of the winners: Masari team claimed first place for their smart path system for electric carts, Maseer team secured second place with AI-powered carts for ergonomic comfort, Naqiloon team earned third place for Tawaf trailers tailored for specific location needs, Tarrayath team took fourth place for their sensor-based device safeguarding pilgrims, and Mu’een team clinched fifth place with an app connecting pilgrims to cart drivers within the Two Holy Mosques.
Designed for postgraduate students, university students, faculty members, international students, and entrepreneurs, the challenge aimed to enhance the mobility experience for Tawaf and Sa’i through field visits and interactions with service providers, leading to the practical application of innovative ideas.