The “Seasonal Professions Forum,” organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and hosted by Umm Al-Qura University, concluded in Makkah. This important event aimed to enhance professional readiness and develop national talent to serve pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
General context and importance of seasonal work in Hajj
Seasonal work serving pilgrims has been an integral part of the social and economic fabric of Mecca throughout history. Historically, the residents of Mecca and its surrounding areas dedicated themselves to serving the pilgrims, providing them with water, food, and guidance. With the Kingdom's tremendous development in organizing Hajj and Umrah affairs, these individual efforts have transformed into a comprehensive institutional system. The "Seasonal Jobs Forum" represents a modern interpretation of this rich heritage, aiming to regulate and enhance the efficiency of the seasonal labor market, transforming it into a significant contributor to the national economy and a source of skills development for Saudi youth.
The impact of the forum and its national and international dimensions
This forum is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally , it contributes to providing temporary income for thousands of citizens, reduces seasonal unemployment, and enhances the practical skills of young people in vital fields such as crowd management, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare. Nationally , the forum directly supports the objectives of the “Guests of God Service Program,” one of the most important programs of Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the experience of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. It also promotes the localization of jobs in a vital and strategic sector. Internationally , these initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest levels of service to the millions of Muslims who flock to it from all over the world, thus reinforcing its position as the beating heart of the Islamic world.
Achievements and records of the forum
Over three days, the forum exceeded all expectations, offering more than 25,000 seasonal job opportunities across 15 specialized career paths, with the participation of 26 entities from both the public and private sectors. Most notably, over 10,000 applicants received direct job offers, surpassing the target of 5,000 positions. This overwhelming response enabled many companies and institutions to fill their vacancies 100%, demonstrating the forum's effectiveness in matching supply and demand in the labor market. The forum's role extended beyond direct recruitment; it also contributed to building a national database of over 25,000 seasonal professionals, which will serve as a valuable resource for future seasons. Furthermore, more than 10,000 individuals benefited from career guidance programs and specialized workshops held on the sidelines of the event, ensuring a sustainable impact and long-term workforce development.
