The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, in collaboration with Umm Al-Qura University, has launched “Hedayah Thon”, the first competitive technology-driven initiative aimed at developing and enhancing religious services at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The initiative seeks to harness innovation, research, and digital solutions to improve the experience of worshippers and visitors, while supporting the delivery of religious guidance in line with Islamic values and contemporary technological advancements.
According to organisers, Hedayah Thon brings together students, researchers, developers, and innovators to design practical solutions that support religious education, crowd guidance, accessibility, and service delivery within the Two Holy Mosques. Participants are expected to propose technology-based ideas that align with the spiritual environment and operational needs of the holy sites.
Officials from the General Presidency said the programme reflects ongoing efforts to modernise religious services without compromising the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative also forms part of broader plans to integrate academic expertise with institutional needs through strategic partnerships.
Umm Al-Qura University, which is based in Makkah and specialises in Islamic studies, science, and technology, is providing academic supervision and technical support for the competition. University officials said the collaboration offers students and researchers an opportunity to apply knowledge to real-world challenges within one of Islam’s most significant settings.
The competition is expected to run through multiple stages, including idea submission, mentorship, and evaluation, with selected projects receiving recognition and potential implementation support.
Organisers described Hedayah Thon as a step towards building sustainable, innovative religious services that respond to the needs of millions of worshippers who visit the Two Holy Mosques annually.
Further details on participation guidelines, timelines, and outcomes are expected to be announced in the coming days.
