Saudi Arabia to Translate Arafat Sermon Into 35 Languages by 2026 Hajj Season

Saudi Arabia will expand the simultaneous translation of the Arafat sermon to cover 35 languages by the 2026 Hajj season. The initiative aims to provide non-Arabic speaking pilgrims and global audiences with real-time access to the central address delivered at Namira Mosque during the peak of the annual pilgrimage. Scale of Linguistic Expansion The increase to 35 languages follows a phased expansion of the kingdom's translation services. During the most recent Hajj season in 2024, the sermon was broadcast in 20 languages, including English, French, Urdu, Persian, and Malay. The addition of 15 more languages by 2026 targets a broader demographic of the nearly two million pilgrims who travel to Makkah and Madinah annually. Broadcast and Digital Infrastructure The translation project utilizes the "Manarat Al-Haramain" digital platform and dedicated FM radio frequencies to reach listeners. These channels allow pilgrims at the holy sites and viewers worldwide to access the sermon through mobile devices and headsets. The project employs teams of specialized linguists and religious scholars to ensure technical accuracy and the preservation of the sermon’s original meaning. Impact on…