The Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has unveiled a documentary film spotlighting its exceptional media efforts during the 1446H Hajj season. The film offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at how SBA brings the spiritual journey of millions of pilgrims to audiences around the world, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving Islam and humanity.

Through striking visuals and detailed storytelling, the film illustrates the scale of SBA’s integrated media operation—meticulously planned to deliver world-class coverage using the latest broadcast technologies. The production not only conveys the sanctity of Hajj but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s global commitment to excellence in media and hospitality.

SBA CEO Mohammed Al-Harthi emphasized that Hajj is a momentous national event, during which the Kingdom mobilizes its full capabilities in service of pilgrims. “Covering Hajj is both an honor and a national duty,” he said. He explained that SBA’s efforts extend far beyond local broadcasting, with international transmissions made possible through strategic partnerships with the Arab States Broadcasting Union and regional media organizations. “Our goal is to deliver the spirit of Hajj to every Muslim household around the world,” Al-Harthi stated, noting the critical support of the Minister of Media, H.E. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, whose leadership has empowered SBA to deliver coverage worthy of this extraordinary occasion.

Khaled Al-Ghamdi, SBA Vice President, detailed the scale of operations: over 14 mobile TV broadcast units, 12 satellite uplink vehicles, and nearly 120 cameras were deployed across key pilgrimage sites. This infrastructure enabled the production of more than 400 hours of live coverage across five dedicated TV channels. Al-Ghamdi also highlighted a pre-season training program for 50 reporters to ensure top-tier journalistic quality. “We are committed to constant development, raising the standard of Hajj coverage year after year with professionalism and purpose,” he said.

The human dimension of the coverage was also emphasized. “In every street, there’s a story. In every moment, emotion. It’s our role to document and share these experiences with the world,” said Zahran Al-Zahrani, SBA’s Director of News Affairs.

On the technical front, Assistant President for Engineering Affairs, Eng. Hatem Abu Nasif, explained that SBA deploys its full technical and human resources annually. Purpose-built studios and media centers equipped with advanced technologies are set up across key locations—including Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and various transportation hubs—to ensure comprehensive coverage of every stage of the pilgrimage.

The film concludes with a powerful message: Hajj is not only a religious journey, but also a storytelling opportunity that reflects Saudi Arabia’s values and its vision of media as a force for global connection. It highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to serving humanity and expressing its spiritual and cultural leadership through world-class media.

In parallel with its Hajj coverage, SBA also covered six major conferences and events held during the season, and produced 10 documentary films highlighting national efforts in service of pilgrims. The Authority provided multilingual broadcasts in more than 12 languages—including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, and Indonesian—featuring emotional stories of pilgrims from around the world, exclusive interviews with elderly and differently-abled worshippers, and special reports on how Saudi Arabia leverages technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the Hajj experience.

This coverage aims to highlight the Islamic values of Hajj as a profound spiritual journey and to reinforce the positive image of the Kingdom as a leading center in serving Islam and Muslims. This year, over 35 mobile broadcasting units (OB Vans) equipped with the latest high-definition (4K) imaging technology were deployed, in addition to the use of drones, fixed, and mobile cameras to capture aerial views and fluid crowd movements with precision and professionalism.