In brief
At the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language announced three new language initiatives aimed at improving communication for pilgrims and service providers. The projects include a pilgrimage‑specific assessment test, a new textbook in the Arabic for Specific Purposes series, and an updated terminology dictionary in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
On November 8, 2026, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) will showcase three new language projects at the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a release from the Saudi Press Agency.
The Academy will perform its debut at a dedicated pavilion, where it will highlight the launch of a specialized Hajj and Umrah language assessment test designed for pilgrimage‑related contexts.
In addition to the assessment tool, KSGAAL will open its doors to a textbook titled Arabic for Hajj and Umrah, which is part of the broader Arabic for Specific Purposes series intended to build practical communication skills for pilgrims and staff.
The third initiative is an updated edition of the Hajj and Umrah terminology dictionary, a collaborative effort between KSGAAL and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
According to the release, the dictionary contains 488 Arabic entries and offers translations into six other languages—English, French, Persian, Turkish, Malay, and Urdu—bringing the total number across languages to more than 3,400 entries.
These projects are slated to reach both pilgrims and service providers to enhance communication and language services during the holy months.
Project Launch at the Conference
The Saudi Press Agency reported that KSGAAL will present the new materials in its pavilion during the conference’s opening on November 8. The gala ceremony will feature the Academy’s representatives, who will attest to the importance of tailored language resources for the mass influx of visitors during Hajj.
Details of the Language Toolkit
The Hajj and Umrah language assessment test is crafted to evaluate linguistic competence in contexts specifically relevant to pilgrimage services. Its design incorporates scenarios such as registration booths, informational kiosks, and guidance from virtual assistants that serve pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The Arabic for Hajj and Umrah textbook adopts an applied approach, presenting situational dialogues, cultural narratives, and listening exercises that mirror the real‑world interactions pilgrim service providers encounter. It is a new addition to the Academy’s Arabic for Specific Purposes series.
The updated terminology dictionary expands on its predecessor by adding more specialized entries and cross‑language translations, thereby facilitating clearer instruction for both Arabic speakers and non‑Arabic speakers working within the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s frameworks.
By integrating these resources, KSGAAL aims to fortify the language skills of staff, pilgrims, and volunteers, ensuring a smoother, more inclusive experience during the annual pilgrimage.
