Makkah: The Ministry of Media concluded the second edition of the Hajj Media Hub yesterday, held in Makkah from Dhu Al-Hijjah 5 to 8, 1446 AH, in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of Saudi Vision 2030 realization programs, as part of the activities of the Unified Hajj Media Operations Center.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event spanned 6,000 square meters and attracted more than 10,000 local and international media professionals and visitors. The hub's media and tech platforms served over 150 local, regional, and international media outlets. More than 15 government and private entities participated, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, National Water Company, as well as media institutions like the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Broadcasting Authority, General Authority for Media Regulation, and the Center for Government Communication.
The digital pavilions saw notable engagement, featuring services offered to pilgrims by participating entities across more than 3,000 interactive screens and specialized media reports. Coverage included over 640 minutes of live broadcasting, in-depth analytical reports, interviews with official representatives, and international reactions to the event. The hub was equipped with full-scale studios, live broadcast vehicles, and 24/7 digital platforms managed by a specialized team, enabling seamless local and international media coverage from the heart of the event.
More than 7,000 registered journalists utilized the Virtual Press Center (VPC), which hosted over 397 uploaded files and facilitated more than 263 news items and reports during the Hajj season. Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary also launched the 'Saudi Photos Hub,' developed by the Saudi Press Agency to make its visual archive accessible to content creators worldwide within a rights-managed environment that fosters creativity.
Additionally, the Hajj Media Hub hosted the first edition of 'GRID,' an initiative of the Unified Media Program under the Center for Government Communication, aimed at fostering the exchange of communication best practices across government agencies. The event, held as part of the Unified Hajj Media Operations Center, has become a fully integrated media environment that supports journalists in delivering innovative coverage using the latest technologies for Hajj 1446 AH.