Makkah, 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH

Umm Al-Qura University is preparing to hold the Career and Innovation Forum 2026 under the theme "Excellence and Leadership in the Tourism Sector", under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Makkah Region, from 8 to 9 June 2026 at the King Saud bin Abdulaziz Hall on the university campus in Al Abidiyah.

The forum is part of the university's efforts to align educational outcomes with labor market needs, empower national talent and support innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthening young people's readiness to take part in major tourism and development projects.

The event includes a package of specialized activities: a career fair, a tourism and hospitality exhibition and a graduation projects exhibition, along with workshops, panel discussions, career counseling and a platform for partnerships and agreements, giving students and graduates the chance to discover job opportunities, develop their professional skills and connect with experts and leading organizations in the sector.

The forum also hosts the Tourism Innovation Hackathon, aimed at entrepreneurs, innovators and those interested in tourism and hospitality, to develop innovative solutions and technologies that improve the visitor experience, advance smart tourism applications and develop transport, hospitality and support services.

The Career and Innovation Forum 2026 is a national platform that brings students, graduates and job seekers together with government and private bodies in the tourism sector, helping to explore career opportunities, stimulate innovation and support human resource development in one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing sectors.

At a Glance

  • Dates: 8 and 9 June 2026
  • Venue: King Saud bin Abdulaziz Hall, university campus, Al Abidiyah, Makkah
  • Theme: Excellence and Leadership in the Tourism Sector
  • Activities: career fair, tourism and hospitality exhibition, graduation projects, workshops, panel discussions
  • Side event: Tourism Innovation Hackathon
  • Audience: students, graduates, job seekers, entrepreneurs and innovators