Imam Reza Shrine Outlines Roadmap for People-Centered Services and Smart Transformation

Reza Khorakian, the chief director of Imam Reza Shrine, presented an overview of the shrine’s strategic approach, recent achievements and plans for 2026. “The true measure of performance is not numerical reports but the peace and satisfaction pilgrims feel when they leave the shrine with a meaningful spiritual memory”.
He noted: “Many current initiatives are built on previous experiences but have now reached a more mature and structured stage”. 
He emphasized that people‑centered service remains the shrine’s foremost priority, explaining, “The goal is for visitors to become partners in service rather than passive recipients. Programs such as “Service in Paradise” have enabled volunteers from different backgrounds to participate in shrine activities, creating social and spiritual benefits”.
He pointed to traditional mourning ceremonies, public tea stations supported by charitable offerings, local cultural festivals, and advisory meetings with servants as further examples of community‑driven service. 
He also highlighted cultural innovation, including monthly spiritual retreats alongside the traditional Rajab retreat, hosting Qur’an sessions, academic thesis defenses in the historic Do-Dar School, and specialized programs for women, children and teenagers.
“The shrine is moving toward becoming a smart shrine through digital transformation. Initiatives include an intelligent pilgrimage assistant, management dashboards with 30 subsystems, expanded electronic services and efforts to establish a wide‑band network and comprehensive Wi‑Fi coverage”, Khorakian said.
He added that the shrine provides cultural and religious services to pilgrims from nearly 100 countries and participates in national and international humanitarian activities. “Collaboration with universities and research centers, along with input from thousands of experts, supports long‑term planning”.
Khorakian also outlined major construction projects, including new porticos, restoration of historic structures, improved visitor facilities and sub‑surface infrastructure upgrades. 
He concluded: “The shrine’s central mission remains enhancing the quality of pilgrimage, facilitating access and deepening religious understanding, a path that will continue with greater strength in 2027”.