2027 Hajj: Saudi Approves Service Provider Rankings, Launches Pilgrim Umbrella Innovation Challenge
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved the performance rankings of companies that served international pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH) as part of efforts to enhance service delivery and strengthen transparency ahead of Hajj 2027.
The evaluation covers three categories of service providers: companies contracted by Hajj Affairs Offices, those engaged by authorized Hajj organizers, and operators under the Direct Hajj model.
Based on their overall performance, the Ministry classified companies into Outstanding Performance, Very Good Performance, and Good Performance.
According to the Ministry, the assessment allocates 60 percent of each company’s score to compliance with regulations and operational requirements, while service quality accounts for the remaining 40 percent.
Officials relied on field inspections, documented evidence, and pilgrim satisfaction surveys to determine the rankings, while allowing companies to submit objections before final approval.
2027 Hajj: Saudi Approves Service Provider Rankings, Launches Pilgrim Umbrella Innovation Challenge
The Ministry said it will publish the rankings on its official website after every Hajj season to promote transparency, encourage healthy competition, and help pilgrims and Hajj authorities make informed decisions. It added that the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program, which seek to improve services for pilgrims from around the world.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has launched the “Innovate the Best Umbrella for Pilgrims” challenge to develop a lightweight, durable umbrella that enhances comfort, safety, and mobility during Hajj and Umrah.
The competition, which opened on August 4, invites innovators, designers, developers, and specialized companies to submit practical concepts ranging from early-stage prototypes to improved commercial products.
Participants must produce a working prototype within two weeks of qualification.
The proposed designs must provide strong ultraviolet protection, withstand harsh weather and crowded conditions, and reflect the visual identity of the holy sites while remaining suitable for large-scale production.
The Ministry said winning entries will be selected through a five-stage process that evaluates innovation, user experience, safety, sustainability, crowd management, and practical application for future Hajj and Umrah seasons.
