Riyadh: As pilgrims from around the world arrive for Hajj, bringing a multitude of languages and dialects, effective communication and guidance become a top priority. Recognizing the importance of clear and accessible information, Saudi Arabia places great emphasis on enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals smoothly and safely.

According to Saudi Press Agency, key entities-led by the Ministry of Hajj, Umrah, and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque-have developed a comprehensive multilingual communication system. These systems include real-time interpretation, printed and visual awareness materials, directional signage, and digital platforms and apps in multiple languages, such as English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Turkish, Hausa, Bengali, and others.

In the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque and the surrounding central area, trained field teams communicate with pilgrims in their native languages. Staff with linguistic expertise are assigned to guide and assist visitors, particularly older people or those who do not speak Arabic. Some agencies also provide instant translation devices to relay instructions in emergency situations.

Smart apps approved for the Hajj season have become vital tools in overcoming language barriers. These apps feature multilingual interfaces and deliver guidance and educational content via text, audio, and video-offering information in an accessible and culturally considerate manner that accommodates pilgrims’ varying educational backgrounds.

Electronic screens inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its facilities display instructions and alerts in the most commonly spoken languages. Short films and awareness clips are also produced and shared across social media and official digital platforms to visually communicate religious guidance and organizational procedures in a clear and easy-to-understand format.