In Jeddah, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) announced that it will launch three new language projects at the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition on November 8. The projects are intended to assist pilgrims and service providers in communicating more effectively during Hajj and Umrah.
Three Specialized Projects Unveiled
KSGAAL will present a pilgrimage‑specific Arabic language assessment test. The test is designed to evaluate practical communication skills that pilgrims and staff may need while participating in Hajj or Umrah activities. The academy said the test will cover comprehension of common pilgrimage phrases and the ability to respond accurately to typical questions from visitors.
Alongside the assessment, the academy will introduce the Arabic for Hajj and Umrah textbook. This book belongs to the Arabic for Specific Purposes series, which provides practical exercises that train students in situations that they will encounter during the pilgrimage. The textbook is meant to help students develop conversational skills and build confidence in real‑world interactions.
The third initiative is an updated edition of the Hajj and Umrah terminology dictionary. In partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, KSGAAL has expanded the dictionary to include 488 Arabic core entries. Each Arabic entry has translations in six foreign languages—English, French, Persian, Turkish, Malay, and Urdu. In total, more than 3,400 entries are now available across the seven languages. The comprehensive dictionary will serve as a resource for translators, guide services and tour operators involved in pilgrimage tourism.
The academy said the launch takes place at a pavilion that will showcase all of its language projects and initiatives related to Hajj and Umrah. By offering these tools, KSGAAL aims to enhance communication among pilgrims from different linguistic backgrounds and the professionals who support them during the pilgrimage season.
Saudi Press Agency noted the project’s alignment with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s push to improve the quality of language support for Saudi Arabia’s millions of annual pilgrims. The concerted effort also matches a broader goal of making Hajj services more accessible to the globe’s diverse participants through reliable language resources.
Viewers of the conference can expect a practical display of the assessment test, textbook, and dictionary. The initiative, announced by KSGAAL, represents a step forward in bridging communication gaps and ensuring pilgrimage experiences are smoother for travelers from different linguistic backgrounds.
