Elm, a digital solutions pioneer, concluded its participation as the strategic sponsor of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, held recently in Jeddah. 

The company showcased a wide range of technological and smart solutions to enhance the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, further simplifying the pilgrimage rituals and creating an innovative digital environment that provides the highest level of convenience for the guests of the two holy mosques.

Elm exhibited the “Smart Assistant for the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques,” an advanced AI-powered assistant designed to provide an interactive and seamless experience for Hajj and Umrah visitors, using voice and text, further streamlining and expediting responses to their inquiries in multiple languages. Furthermore, it decreases congestion by quickly guiding pilgrims and Umrah performers while also increasing the ability to handle a larger number of visitors to the two holy mosques.

The company also showcased the “Call Analyzer for Guests of the Two Holy Mosques,” which converts incoming calls into text for content analysis using AI to aid comprehension of vital contexts, generate analytical reports to support decision-making, and present recommendations to improve the quality of service provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The company further showcased the “Digital Twin and Simulation for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa,” which generates a comprehensive simulation of the experience for the pilgrims while considering their various characteristics.

Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, official spokesman and VP of marketing at Elm, said: “The Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 served as a unique platform to enhance the guests’ experience of the two holy mosques.”

It provided us with the opportunity to showcase our cutting-edge smart technologies and solutions, all aimed at improving the journeys of pilgrims and Umrah performers. This reflects our constant commitment to providing exceptional services that transcend the expectations of the guests of the two holy mosques, further ensuring their comfort and the smooth performance of the Nusuk ritual. We leverage our advanced capabilities in innovation and modern technologies to make substantial developments in Hajj and Umrah services. Our approach focuses on implementing advanced strategies that promote sustainable development and improve the overall quality of our offerings.”

He added: “We believe in the importance of developing robust partnerships with key decision-makers, where coordinated efforts and collaborations can incorporate Elm’s concepts and expertise into strategic decisions to attain the desired outcome. Elm’s reliability and recognition from our government partners are vital in achieving our mutual strategic goals. We remain committed to providing assistance at all stages of project execution to ensure the accomplishment of targeted goals and the constant improvement of services.”

Bigo Live, a global social live streaming platform, hosted its first BIGO MENA Gala on Jan. 9 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. The event brought together top content creators, influential users, and Bigo “Family” groups from across the globe, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to fostering real-time connections and cross-cultural exchange.

The gala recognized standout creators with prestigious awards, including gold-plated iPhone 16 Pro Max devices, standard iPhone 16 Pro Max models, and other prizes. Honorees represented diverse regions, including the MENA, Russia, Turkiye, the Philippines, Pakistan, Indonesia, France, and Thailand, demonstrating the platform’s international reach and inclusive community. The awards celebrated innovation, creativity, and the ability of creators to engage diverse audiences, highlighting the significant contributions they make to the Bigo Live ecosystem.

“The BIGO MENA Gala 2025 underscores the remarkable achievements of our creators and users who make Bigo Live a dynamic space for meaningful interactions,” said Ian Goh, director at BIGO Technology. “This event celebrates the global collaboration and innovation that have driven our growth and strengthened our community.”

The event featured captivating performances from acclaimed artists, including Eman Abdulaziz and Hwaida Yousef, alongside other international talent. These performances showcased the platform’s ability to connect communities through shared cultural experiences and entertainment, further emphasizing Bigo Live’s global reach.

The event was supported by Coda, a key partner in the MENA region. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to developing and advancing digital platforms that empower users to create and connect on a global scale.

Since its inception, Bigo Live has connected more than 500 million users worldwide, facilitating real-time interactions that foster inclusivity and engagement. The platform continues to invest in innovative tools and resources that empower creators to produce high-quality content and build meaningful connections with their audiences.

The gala was streamed live on Bigo Live’s Music Livehouse channel and Bigo.tv, extending the celebration to a global audience. Interactive features, including live chat and real-time voting, allowed viewers to participate actively in the event.

The BIGO MENA Gala 2025 showcased Bigo Live’s ongoing commitment to empowering creators, facilitating global connections, and driving innovation within the live streaming industry. The platform remains dedicated to providing a dynamic and inclusive space for users worldwide.