Kano prepares to host second Nigeria Hajj-Umrah Expo

Stakeholders to gather Aug 8 under theme “Pilgrimage, Partnerships and Possibilities” to boost faith, trade and investment ties with Saudi Arabia

Kano will become the hub of faith and commerce next month as the city hosts Hajj–Umrah Nigeria Expo 2.0, HUN 2.0 on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Organised by Global Business and Investment Partnerships Forum LTD/GTE in partnership with the Nigeria-Saudi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and with support from JIBWIS, Dar Al Halal Limited and other institutional partners, the Expo aims to reshape how Nigeria delivers pilgrimage services while opening new business doors with Saudi Arabia.

—“Beyond pilgrimage”—

Convener Dr. Aisha Ahmed said the theme _“Pilgrimage, Partnerships and Possibilities”_ captures the event’s dual mission: improving pilgrim welfare and unlocking economic opportunities.

“The Hajj and Umrah industry are one of the most important recurring international travel ecosystems linking Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” Dr. Ahmed said.

“Beyond pilgrimage, it supports aviation, hospitality, planning, financial services, healthcare, technology, trade, real estate and halal products and services. This Expo is a unique opportunity to harness those possibilities for national and regional development.”

She added that the Expo will push for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private operators, religious institutions and international stakeholders to raise service standards.

—Who will be there—

Organisers expect 500 to 1,000 attendees with:

– 50+ exhibitors

– 20+ sponsors and partners

– 25 government agencies

– 20 media organisations

– About 30 Saudi participants

Participants will cut across airlines, travel agencies, hotels, financial institutions, insurers, tech firms, healthcare providers, exporters, real estate developers and religious organisations.

—What’s on the agenda—

HUN 2.0 is designed as more than a talk shop. The program includes high-level panels and networking on:

– Future of the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem in Nigeria

– Building strategic partnerships for sustainable growth

– Unlocking the halal economy

– Financing growth in the Hajj and Umrah industry

– Technology and digital transformation for pilgrims

There will also be an exhibition floor where businesses can launch products, generate leads and build alliances. Categories include travel, hospitality, finance, tech, health, exports and government services.

—Expected impact—

Organisers say the outcomes they are targeting include new Nigeria–Saudi agreements, increased non-oil exports, stronger investment conversations, and better industry collaboration.

The Expo also aligns with Nigeria’s push for economic diversification, job creation, tourism growth and export expansion.

“Hajj–Umrah Nigeria Expo 2.0 Kano 2026 promises to be a defining platform where faith meets enterprise, and where meaningful partnerships can translate into lasting possibilities,” Dr. Ahmed said.

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Stakeholders from both public and private sectors are being urged to participate as sponsors, exhibitors, partners or delegates.

With Kano set to host, the message is clear: the road to Makkah and Madinah is also becoming a corridor for trade, innovation, and cross-border growth.