As millions of Muslims around the world prepare for this year’s Hajj, Saudi Arabia has expanded its use of artificial intelligence and smart digital infrastructure to better manage crowds, increase operational efficiency and make the pilgrimage safer and easier.
The effort is led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which manages a series of integrated AI platforms and digital services during the Hajj – from the pilgrims’ departure from their home countries, to their arrival in Saudi Arabia, and all the way back after completing the rites.
– Our goal is for artificial intelligence to work quietly in the background, while at the same time making the journey of pilgrims safer, simpler and more efficient at every stage – SDAIA spokesman Majed al-Shehry told Al Arabiya English.
He added that AI has become a key tool in the management of mass gatherings, through predictive technologies, advanced data analytics and real-time tracking systems, which contribute to greater safety and operational efficiency.
According to SDAIA, these systems aim to improve the flow of people, support emergency responses, improve transport logistics and provide multilingual assistance to pilgrims during one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.
AI management of the masses
One of the main focuses of this Hajj season is crowd management around the Great Mosque in Mecca and the holy sites of Mina, Arefat and Muzdelifah.
Systems like Baseer and Sawaher, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, use computer vision, thermal imaging and AI analytics to monitor crowd density and movement in real time.
These systems analyze video and surveillance footage, identify congestion points, predict congestion waves and help authorities make decisions more quickly.
Multilingual robots
Saudi Arabia has also deployed AI-powered robots that provide religious guidance and translation services in multiple languages, as part of a wider digital system to enhance the pilgrim experience.
The robots offer interactive religious and educational content, information about locations and services inside the Two Holy Mosques, answers to religious questions and instant translations for easier communication between visitors from different countries.
Digital services
Saudi Arabia is also expanding AI digital services to support pilgrims throughout their journey.
More than 1.5 million pilgrims have used the “Mecca Route” initiative, which enables digital verification and data processing at 17 airports in 10 countries.
This initiative makes it possible to carry out part of the procedures before arriving in Saudi Arabia, including biometric registration and processing of travel documents.
The Tawakkalna and Nusuk apps also play a key role during the Hajj, offering more than 1,300 digital services – from electronic Hajj permits, navigation, weather forecasts and emergency assistance, to digital identification via the Nusuk card.
A vision of the future
Saudi officials say the integration of AI technologies into the Hajj organization reflects the country’s broader ambitions to become a global leader in digital transformation and smart governance.
Advanced surveillance systems, predictive analytics, digital identities, robotics and automation are expected to play an increasing role in future Hajj seasons, in line with investments in smart infrastructure in Mecca and Medina.
– The continued integration of AI technologies into Hajj operations reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to position itself as a global leader in digital transformation and smart management, while simultaneously improving the safety and experience of pilgrims – the SDAIA said.
(Vijesti.ba)
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