Makkah: The mutawwif profession (pilgrims' guide) is among the oldest Hajj-related vocations, historically passed down through generations of Makkah's residents. It centers on welcoming and caring for pilgrims, including overseeing their accommodation, ensuring their well-being, managing services at the holy sites, and securing transportation and healthcare to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Mohammed Sabgha, who has served as a mutawwif for more than 30 years, described the profession as a legacy inherited from fathers and grandfathers, emphasizing that 'serving pilgrims is an honor, not a burden.'
Sabgha noted that the services provided to pilgrims have evolved significantly over the past three decades. 'The Hajj service system sees continuous improvement each year,' he said, 'in everything from crowd management and healthcare to the smooth performance of rituals and the enrichment of the pilgrim experience.' He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with government, private, and non-profit sectors, in developing a comprehensive year-round plan for improving services, starting from the end of one Hajj season and continuing until the beginning of the next. Supported by the Kingdom's extensive resources and unwavering commitment, these efforts include assessing the impact of services and identifying areas for development or reform, all aimed at providing pilgrims with the best possible experience.
He also highlighted the importance of the Nusuk app, calling it a foundational tool that integrates and facilitates the wide range of services pilgrims need.