JEDDAH — November 11, 2025 | Cii Radio Exclusive
For the first time in history, South Africans have applied for Hajj 2026 directly through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk platform – leaving many nervous and others hopeful.
Live from Jeddah, at the 5th Global Hajj & Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, Yaseen Khan, Head of Pilgrim Experience at TWF Hajj, says the event marks *“a turning point in how Hajj will be experienced — from Makkah to the world.”*
A Global Gathering Shaping the Next Chapter of Hajj
This four-day conference unites 260 exhibitors, 95 speakers, and 13 key sectors — from technology to healthcare — all focused on one shared vision: a smarter, safer, and more spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
“The hospitality, the innovation, the vision — it’s awe-inspiring,” Khan told Cii Radio. “We are about to enter an era that South Africans could not have imagined under the old system.”
What This Means for South Africans
While South Africa’s national Hajj quota remains 1,140, Saudi Arabia has introduced a “quota within a quota” model that rewards top-performing service providers with greater allocations.
Khan explained:“It’s not just about numbers. It’s about rewarding quality. The partners who’ve proven their excellence will now serve more pilgrims — and that means better service for South Africans.”
TWF has already partnered with one of the most highly rated Saudi service providers worldwide. “We’re confident the decision we made before the conference will bode well for every South African pilgrim,” Khan added.
Technology Meets Faith: Innovation at the Heart of Hajj
In a scene that feels straight out of the future, this year’s conference unveiled AI-driven crowd systems, biometric facial tracking, and even real-time monitoring of crowd anxiety levels to ensure safety and calm during peak movement.
“They can now detect stress in a crowd — and deploy teams instantly to ease congestion,” Khan explained. “It’s the merging of spiritual devotion with 21st-century intelligence.”
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ‘Pilgrim Experience Excellence’ means every touchpoint — from airport entry to Mina tents — is being redesigned for speed, safety, and serenity.
A Greener, Calmer Hajj
Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. New initiatives include renewable energy use, waste reduction, and “cooling roads” that reduce heat for walking pilgrims.
TWF’s digital Hajj guides now feature QR codes that let South Africans preview their Mina camps in advance — a transparency milestone for the industry.
“It’s like seeing your accommodation before you even pack,” Khan said. “Even the most affordable camp now feels like a five-star upgrade from the past.”
“I did register, but didn’t get any confirmation”
Not all pilgrims are tech-savvy — and many have felt anxious navigating the new Nusuk system.
Khan reassures:“Do not panic. Profiles are being verified every day. No one will miss out. You’ll get your verification email soon — just be patient.”
To help seniors and first-timers, TWF and its partner offices in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town are assisting pilgrims with registration, document uploads, and guidance — ensuring no one is left behind.
Khan summed it up beautifully: “Every step, every moment, every service — excellence. That’s what the Kingdom wants every pilgrim to feel. When they return home, they must say: ‘SubhanAllah — that was my Hajj.’”
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