In brief
At the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) showcased three new projects aimed at improving communication for pilgrims and service providers. The initiatives—an assessment test, a specialized textbook, and a multi‑lingual terminology dictionary—were developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The launch reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance pilgrims’ experience through language and cultural support.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) announced that it will launch three language projects at the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, set to open on November 8 in Jeddah. The announcement, released by the Saudi Press Agency on November 6, 2026, comes as KSGAAL prepares a pavilion to showcase its new initiatives that are specifically tailored to Hajj and Umrah contexts.
According to the agency, the first project is a Hajj and Umrah language assessment test designed for pilgrimage‑related contexts. This assessment aims to evaluate the proficiency of pilgrims and service providers in using Arabic specific to the pilgrimage experience. The Saudi Press Agency notes that this tool will help identify language gaps and guide targeted training for individuals who facilitate the Hajj and Umrah operations.
The second initiative is an Arabic for Hajj and Umrah textbook, part of the Arabic for Specific Purposes series. KSGAAL’s brochure describes the book as a practical resource that develops communication skills necessary for pilgrims and those who support them. The Saudi Press Agency highlights that students of the textbook will acquire language structures and vocabulary that apply directly to the rituals and service interactions that occur during the pilgrimage.
In partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the third project is an updated edition of the Hajj and Umrah terminology dictionary. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the dictionary now contains 488 Arabic entries, each accompanied by translations in English, French, Persian, Turkish, Malay, and Urdu. The combined catalogue reaches more than 3,400 entries across the six languages, according to the agency’s statement. The dictionary’s multilingual scope is intended to support pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds and the international staff who serve them.
The Saudi Press Agency emphasized that all three projects were developed to improve communication and language services for pilgrims and those who serve them. It added that the initiatives reflect the kingdom’s broader strategy to modernize and enhance the pilgrim experience through language education and cultural support.
According to the agency’s coverage, the pavilion set up by KSGAAL will house exhibitions of the assessment tool, the textbook, and the terminology dictionary, giving visitors an interactive preview of each resource. The Saudi Press Agency mentioned that the Hajj Conference and Exhibition provides a platform for sharing innovations and best practices in pilgrimage management, and KSGAAL’s participation signals a commitment to aligning language resources with on‑ground operational needs.
Launch activities also include a series of workshops and seminars scheduled around the conference’s timetable. While the Saudi Press Agency did not detail the exact schedule, it noted that KSGAAL experts will conduct brief sessions on the benefits of standardized assessment, effective language use in pilgrimage contexts, and the application of the updated terminology dictionary for cross‑lingual coordination.
The agency’s report places the projects within the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on enhancing the Hajj experience. By integrating language tools with pilgrimage services, KSGAAL aims to foster clearer communication across the complex network of pilgrims, service providers, and international partners. This initiative aligns with governmental objectives to streamline communication and ensure that pilgrims of diverse backgrounds receive consistent and accurate information during their religious journey.
Looking ahead, the Saudi Press Agency suggested that KSGAAL will continue to refine and expand language resources for the Hajj and Umrah sector. The agency indicated that similar projects may be introduced in future editions of the conference, but the organization has not confirmed any concrete timelines beyond the current launch at the June 2026 event. The agency’s statement underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the pilgrimage community through targeted linguistic solutions.
