In brief
Visitors to the Saudi pavilion in Algiers were introduced to several new digital applications designed to simplify access to Islamic content, including a web‑based Quran, prayer times and a 3D virtual Hajj experience. The ministry, which serves as the country’s official Islamic body, highlighted its commitment to leveraging technology for spiritual guidance.
In Algiers, the 29th International Book Fair saw an increased focus on technology when the Saudi Pavilion hosted the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance on November 3, 2026. The ministry presented a series of digital solutions aimed at making Islamic knowledge more accessible to the global Muslim community.
The Ministry, which is responsible for religious guidance in Saudi Arabia, used the fair as a platform to demonstrate the breadth of its digital outreach. In a setting that drew international visitors, the Saudi pavilion was identified as the guest of honor, underscoring the kingdom’s role in the cultural event.
One of the key highlights was the Rushd application. Rushd is a web‑based platform that integrates several core services: it hosts a searchable Holy Quran, provides daily prayer times aligned with the Umm Al‑Qura calendar, and offers a Qibla direction feature for travelers and worshippers everywhere. The demonstration at the fair allowed visitors to interact with the application and see how the digital interface aligns with traditional religious practices.
Another tool unveiled was the Correct Quotation application, which is designed to streamline access to Islamic texts and ensure accurate citation. The program assists scholars, students and general users in locating precise passages, thereby reducing the risk of misquotation in academic and devotional contexts.
In addition to these applications, the pavilion played a virtual reality game‑changing 3D Hajj experience. This interactive guide immerses users in the various rituals associated with Hajj, including the symbolic circumambulations and the standing at Arafat. By giving visitors a hands‑on feel of the pilgrimage, the ministry aims to educate people worldwide about the significance and requirements of this annual journey.
The fair also hosted several VR experiences that enabled attendees to virtually walk through two of Islam’s most revered sites. Using immersive technology, visitors were able to view the interiors of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina from a first‑person perspective. These presentations served to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of the Two Holy Mosques with a wider audience.
Digital Outreach and Transformation
Through the display of these applications and immersive experiences, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs underscored its broader goal of harnessing modern technology to serve the religion and its adherents. The pavilion sought to illustrate how digital innovation can provide reliable Islamic content and ease the process of learning about religious practices for Muslims and non‑Muslims alike.
Overall, the exhibition at the Algiers International Book Fair highlighted a strategic emphasis on digital transformation within Saudi Arabia’s religious sector. By combining traditional spiritual guidance with cutting‑edge technology, the ministry aims to expand its outreach and encourage a deeper understanding of Islam worldwide.
