Jeddah, January 25, 2025 – The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has achieved a significant global milestone by winning the prestigious World Summit Award (WSA) for its innovative "Nusuk" platform in the Culture and Heritage category for 2024. This recognition comes after the platform stood out from a highly competitive field of over 900 technological projects submitted by participants from 160 countries, underscoring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in integrating technology with religious and cultural experiences.
The World Summit Award is one of the most respected global recognitions for innovative digital solutions that positively impact society. By securing this accolade, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology to enhance the spiritual journey of Muslims performing Hajj and Umrah, while also showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural and heritage values to the world. The Nusuk platform exemplifies how technology can be used to improve logistical operations, streamline religious rituals, and create a deeper understanding of Islamic heritage for millions of visitors.
The Nusuk platform, which forms a cornerstone of the Ministry’s digital transformation strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, is designed to facilitate and enrich the experience of pilgrims and visitors to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The platform offers a range of innovative solutions aimed at addressing the operational challenges of managing large numbers of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. By providing real-time guidance, ensuring seamless access to essential services, and enhancing operational efficiency, Nusuk has significantly contributed to improving the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims.
One of the standout features of the Nusuk platform is its user-friendly mobile application, which empowers over 400 licensed guides to offer personalized and informative exploration tours. These tours help pilgrims navigate the sacred sites and gain a deeper understanding of the Islamic history and heritage embedded in the holy cities. In addition, the app features more than 100 exploratory tours that highlight significant landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, enriching the pilgrims’ spiritual journey by offering them a broader cultural context and deeper appreciation of the Islamic legacy.
This award-winning achievement is a testament to the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Both have been instrumental in championing the Kingdom’s efforts to leverage cutting-edge technology in service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Their commitment to innovation has been pivotal in transforming the Hajj and Umrah experience, ensuring that pilgrims receive not only a spiritually fulfilling journey but also one that is seamless, efficient, and enriching in terms of cultural and heritage immersion.
As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace technological advancements under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, the success of the Nusuk platform reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in digital innovation, particularly in the context of religious tourism. This achievement also serves as a powerful symbol of the Kingdom’s dedication to enhancing the pilgrimage experience, making it more accessible, meaningful, and connected to the deep-rooted heritage of Islam.