Makkah Forum Explores Growing Contribution of Nonprofits to Pilgrim Care
The first Non-Profit Sector Forum in Service of Pilgrims was inaugurated at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, government representatives, nonprofit organizations, private sector leaders and donors, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
Al-Rabiah highlighted the expanding role of the nonprofit sector in serving pilgrims, noting that the number of nonprofit associations has grown fiftyfold over the past five years, making the sector a core pillar of the Hajj and Umrah services ecosystem.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to empowering nonprofits by shifting “from readiness to sustainability” through a dedicated Hajj and Umrah nonprofit strategy for 2026–2030. According to the SPA, the strategy aims to increase diversity, improve effectiveness and enhance the overall experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah currently oversees more than 100 associations that serve pilgrims and visitors through partnerships, innovative initiatives and integrated cooperation among government, private and nonprofit sectors to improve efficiency and service delivery models.
Focus on the Future of Pilgrim Services
The forum featured a panel discussion on future aspirations and the expected impact of the nonprofit sector in serving pilgrims. The session was moderated by Rakan Al-Maddah, vice president of the Kingdom Discovery Sector at the Pilgrims Experience Program, with participation from Musad Al-Daood, mayor of Makkah Municipality; Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat; and Ghazi Al-Shahrani, CEO of the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques.
Panelists emphasized that nonprofits are active partners in serving pilgrims, adding that the next phase will require greater diversity and a stronger role within the integrated Hajj and Umrah services system.
Sustainability and Capacity Building
Another panel focused on sustainability solutions for the nonprofit sector, addressing funding mechanisms, partnerships and social responsibility. Speakers stressed the importance of strengthening support, expanding partnerships and empowering initiatives to further enhance the pilgrim and visitor experience.
According to the SPA, the forum aims to build the institutional capacity of nonprofit organizations, improve operational readiness and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise. It also seeks to enable endowments and donors to adopt innovative funding and investment models that ensure sustainable, high-quality impact while strengthening cross-sector partnerships.
The forum includes three specialized workshops focused on capacity building and institutional readiness, an accompanying exhibition showcasing initiatives and projects, and the signing of agreements to formalize partnerships and enhance cooperation.
