King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Faculty of Tourism, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Charitable Endowments to strengthen cooperation in developing an integrated hospitality ecosystem for the Hajj and Umrah seasons and to support research and innovation in ways that enhance service quality and improve the experience of the Guests of Allah (pilgrims). The signing took place on Monday, 20 April 2026, at the University President’s Office, in the presence of the University President, Dr. Tareef bin Youssef Alaama.
Representing the university at the signing was the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Dr. Theeb bin Abdullah Al-Harthi, while Eng. Bandar bin Abdullah Al Rajhi, Chief Executive Officer of the Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Charitable Endowments, signed on behalf of the endowments. Through this MoU, both parties seek to leverage academic and field expertise to empower national talent and enhance the quality of the hospitality sector in the Holy Sites in line with the Kingdom’s aspirations to serve the Guests of Allah.
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in developing the hospitality sector during the Hajj and Umrah seasons through exploratory discussions, support for scientific research, innovation, and professional applications. It also seeks to build a sustainable development partnership between the academic and non-profit sectors, while empowering students and measuring the impact of joint initiatives and projects.
Areas of cooperation include improving operational mechanisms to provide distinguished care for the pilgrims by developing a specialized hospitality standard for the Holy Sites that aligns with the programs of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, while preparing the requirements for its implementation during Hajj 1447 AH (2025). The partnership also includes building a specialized hospitality brand based on the outcomes of applied studies and strengthening developmental cooperation to achieve sustainable national impact.
The MoU also supports the scientific research ecosystem through specialized studies in hospitality, crowd management, pilgrim experience, and service quality. It further includes participation in forums, conferences, scientific exhibitions, alumni meetings, and advisory committees within the academic department, in addition to providing research opportunities for graduation projects related to the hospitality industry.
It also covers the exchange of scientific and technical expertise and the development of academic curricula, while enabling students to undertake cooperative and field training in the Holy Sites to align their studies with practical application. In addition, the partnership includes conducting scientific research to support decision-makers and enriching the experience of the pilgrims through the development of support services that enhance safety and overall satisfaction.
