Saudi Authority Showcases Social Sustainability at Global Forum

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque participated in a dialogue session titled “The Portfolio of Social Sustainability” during the third Global Project Management Forum (GPMF) held in Riyadh from June 2 to 3, 2024, under the slogan “We Achieve the Dream: Leadership, Empowerment, Sustainability.” The session highlighted the Authority’s efforts to integrate social sustainability into the management of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasizing the importance of pilgrim safety, community participation, and the role of the private sector in enhancing services for visitors.

Context and Background

The Global Project Management Forum is a prominent international event that brings together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to discuss best practices and innovations in project management. The third edition, held in Riyadh, focused on leadership, empowerment, and sustainability, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering sustainable development and enhancing quality of life. The participation of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to applying world-class project management standards to the care of the Two Holy Mosques and the services provided to millions of pilgrims annually.

The Authority, represented by Eng. Sultan Al-Qurashi, shared insights on how social sustainability is integrated into the infrastructure and operations of the Two Holy Mosques. This participation reflects the broader Saudi strategy to leverage international platforms for knowledge exchange and to showcase the Kingdom’s leadership in managing large-scale religious and social projects.

Key Details

Eng. Sultan Al-Qurashi, representing the Authority, elaborated on the concept of social sustainability and its direct relationship with the management of the Grand Mosque’s projects and facilities. He emphasized the mosque’s unique status and sanctity, describing it as a host to many life activities—a space for worship, health care, and a beacon of knowledge. These aspects are carefully considered in the infrastructure designs to embrace the features of community life within the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Qurashi identified maintaining the security and safety of pilgrims and ensuring their satisfaction and comfort as major indicators of social sustainability in project management. He also highlighted community participation and the initiative of the private sector to collaborate in providing services to the Grand Mosque visitors. Furthermore, he pointed to the great interest shown by the wise leadership in providing full care for the Two Holy Mosques and achieving one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

He stressed that the Authority, through its major and specific projects and with the participation of many sectors, provides for the requirements and needs of pilgrims in all segments. Among these projects are the project of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for simultaneous translation of the sermons of the Two Holy Mosques and the sermon on the Day of Arafah, and the children’s guesthouses project.

Implications and Impact

The Authority’s participation in the Global Project Management Forum highlights Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in managing complex, large-scale projects that serve humanity. By sharing its expertise in social sustainability, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the services provided to pilgrims. This exchange of knowledge at an international forum not only enhances the Authority’s practices but also contributes to global discussions on sustainable project management.

The focus on social sustainability in the Two Holy Mosques has far-reaching implications. It ensures that the millions of pilgrims who visit annually experience a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling journey. Moreover, it strengthens the local community by involving the private sector and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. This approach aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors alike, as outlined in Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque’s participation in the third Global Project Management Forum directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its goals of enhancing the pilgrimage experience and promoting sustainable development. By integrating social sustainability into project management, the Authority contributes to the Vision’s objective of increasing the capacity to welcome more pilgrims and improving the services provided to them. This aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging its unique position to foster global unity and spiritual fulfillment, while also driving economic and social progress. As Saudi Arabia continues to transform under Vision 2030, the Authority’s efforts exemplify how strategic project management can serve both religious and developmental aspirations.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque participate in?

A1. The Authority participated in the third Global Project Management Forum (GPMF) held in Riyadh from June 2 to 3, 2024, under the slogan “We Achieve the Dream: Leadership, Empowerment, Sustainability.”

Q2. What was the title of the dialogue session featuring the Authority?

A2. The dialogue session was titled “The Portfolio of Social Sustainability.” It focused on integrating social sustainability into the management of the Two Holy Mosques projects and facilities.

Q3. Who represented the Authority at the forum?

A3. Eng. Sultan Al-Qurashi represented the Authority at the forum. He spoke about social sustainability and its relationship with the management of the Grand Mosque’s projects and facilities.

Q4. What did Eng. Sultan Al-Qurashi say about the Grand Mosque?

A4. He highlighted the mosque’s status and sanctity, describing it as a host to many life activities, including worship, health care, and knowledge. These aspects are considered in infrastructure designs.

Q5. What are the major indicators of social sustainability in project management in the Two Holy Mosques?

A5. Maintaining the security and safety of pilgrims and ensuring their satisfaction and comfort are major indicators. These factors are essential for providing a spiritually fulfilling experience.

Q6. How does the Authority involve the community in its services?

A6. The Authority encourages community participation and private sector initiatives to collaborate in providing services to Grand Mosque visitors. This fosters shared responsibility and enhances the quality of services.

Q7. What role does the wise leadership play in the care of the Two Holy Mosques?

A7. The wise leadership shows great interest in providing full care for the Two Holy Mosques, which aligns with achieving one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q8. What are some of the major projects undertaken by the Authority?

A8. Projects include the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques project for simultaneous translation of sermons in the Two Holy Mosques and on the Day of Arafah, and the children’s guesthouses project.

Q9. What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques project for simultaneous translation?

A9. This project provides real-time translation of sermons delivered at the Two Holy Mosques and on the Day of Arafah. It ensures that non-Arabic speaking pilgrims can fully understand the religious messages.

Q10. What is the children’s guesthouses project?

A10. The children’s guesthouses project is an initiative that provides care and services for children accompanying pilgrims. It aims to enhance the comfort and convenience of families visiting the Two Holy Mosques.

Q11. How does the Authority’s work align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A11. The Authority’s work aligns with Vision 2030 by improving the pilgrimage experience, enhancing services for pilgrims, and promoting sustainable development. This supports the goal of welcoming more pilgrims.

Q12. What is the significance of social sustainability in the context of the Two Holy Mosques?

A12. Social sustainability ensures that the projects and facilities of the Two Holy Mosques consider the well-being of pilgrims and the community. It integrates aspects like safety, comfort, and community participation.

Q13. How does the Authority measure the success of its social sustainability efforts?

A13. Success is measured by the security and safety of pilgrims, their satisfaction and comfort, and the level of community and private sector participation in providing services.

Q14. What are the features of community life embraced by the Two Holy Mosques?

A14. The Two Holy Mosques are spaces for worship, health care, and knowledge. The infrastructure designs aim to embrace these features to serve the community comprehensively.

Q15. How does the private sector collaborate with the Authority?

A15. The private sector collaborates by providing services to Grand Mosque visitors. This partnership enhances the quality and reach of services, contributing to a better pilgrimage experience.

Q16. What is the Global Project Management Forum?

A16. The Global Project Management Forum is an international event that brings together experts to discuss best practices and innovations in project management. It focuses on leadership, empowerment, and sustainability.

Q17. Why is the Authority’s participation in the forum important?

A17. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s expertise in managing large-scale projects and its commitment to social sustainability. It also allows for knowledge exchange with international experts.

Q18. What are the goals of the third Global Project Management Forum?

A18. The forum aimed to achieve the dream through leadership, empowerment, and sustainability. It provided a platform for sharing insights and advancing project management practices.

Q19. How does the Authority ensure the comfort of pilgrims with disabilities?

A19. While specific details are not provided, the Authority’s focus on social sustainability implies that infrastructure and services are designed to accommodate all segments of pilgrims, including those with disabilities.

Q20. What future developments can be expected from the Authority?

A20. The Authority will continue to enhance services and infrastructure for pilgrims, aligning with Vision 2030. Expect more innovative projects that integrate social sustainability and improve the overall pilgrimage experience.

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