In November 2025, a major academic forum focused on the history, culture, and architecture of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques will take place in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving and documenting Islamic heritage using both traditional research and modern technologies.
Scholarly gathering to explore legacy, culture, and innovation
The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) is set to host a comprehensive academic forum titled “Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques: History, Culture, Architecture – Toward Sustainable Knowledge and Digital Documentation” in November 2025, corresponding to Jumada al-Awwal 1447H. According to a report by Saudi Gazette, the event is being organized in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Guests of God Service Program, two prominent institutions in the Kingdom’s ongoing initiatives to study and preserve the historical and spiritual significance of the Islamic pilgrimage and sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah. This scholarly initiative aims to deepen academic engagement and generate fresh perspectives on the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. Scholars and experts from a range of disciplines, including history, architecture, Islamic arts, literature, geography, media, and digital studies, are expected to contribute to the discussion and research efforts.
Focus areas and thematic scope
The forum will center around five core themes, each reflecting a key dimension of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques’ enduring legacy:
- Saudi Arabia’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques
- Hajj and the holy sites in historical texts and travel literature
- Architecture and visual identity of the Two Holy Mosques
- Cultural memory and social heritage of the Hajj
- Use of modern technologies in documenting Hajj
A major objective of the forum is to examine how digital tools and emerging technologies can be used to enhance preservation efforts, provide immersive educational experiences, and support global scholarly collaboration on the subject.
Paper submissions and review process
Researchers interested in contributing have been invited to submit academic papers for the forum. The submission window will remain open until the end of Rabi al-Awwal 1447H (September 22, 2025). The process includes:
- A one-month peer review period
- A one-month revision window for authors
- Final selection of accepted papers will be announced two weeks after the conclusion of the revision phase
This timeline allows for thorough academic scrutiny while ensuring that selected research reflects both scholarly depth and practical relevance to the event’s goals.
Parallel event: Hajj conference and exhibition
In a separate initiative also scheduled for November, the 5th edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition will take place from November 9–12, 2025 (18–21 Jumada al-Awwal 1447H) at the Jeddah Superdome. Organized under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, this annual event focuses on enhancing the operational and service aspects of Hajj. With participants from over 95 countries, it brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to exchange knowledge and explore solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience. This edition of the exhibition will feature expanded participation, a larger exhibitor base, and enriched content that supports sustainability and innovation in pilgrimage services, offering a complementary but distinct engagement from the academic forum hosted by Darah.
