Hajj 2025: 5 ways in which Saudi is revolutionising pilgrimage with AI, tech

Saudi Arabia is revolutionising the pilgrimage experience through a suite of smart technologies and AI-driven platforms that streamline travel, enhance religious services, and ensure the comfort and safety of millions of Hajj pilgrims. From digital guidance apps in Madinah to smart transportation systems in Makkah and AI-powered support at international airports, these innovations reflect the country’s commitment to Vision 2030 and its goal of delivering world-class services to pilgrims from around the globe.

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The country is leveraging the latest in digital innovation to improve the pilgrimage experience for millions of visitors each year. With a focus on smart technologies and AI-driven applications, the country is enhancing services across various aspects of the pilgrimage, from crowd management and health services to transportation and religious guidance. These advancements are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation agenda aligned with the nation’s Vision 2030.

Smart platforms transform pilgrims’ experience in Madinah

In Madinah, a series of digital platforms are providing pilgrims with real-time guidance and support. The Nusuk platform stands out as a key tool, allowing users to book appointments to visit the Holy Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque. Health applications, including Tawakkalna, give pilgrims immediate access to medical services, ensuring their health and well-being throughout their stay, a Saudi Press Agency report stated.

Additionally, digital maps and interactive guides are available to help pilgrims navigate Madinah’s landmarks and public facilities, easing their journey and enhancing their experience in the holy city. AI-powered features are also making it easier for pilgrims to obtain real-time responses to their queries in multiple languages, further simplifying their pilgrimage.

Smart transportation solutions in Makkah

In Makkah, the Makkah Bus Guidance Center is leading the way in optimising pilgrim transportation. Equipped with smart technology, the center ensures buses carrying pilgrims from abroad are efficiently routed to their accommodations in Makkah City. The Arshidni (“guide me”) smart platform integrates with the Nusuk Masar platform, providing accurate trip information to bus guides and ensuring timely arrivals.

Guides use modern tablets to receive real-time updates, allowing the control room to monitor bus routes live and manage guide assignments. This system enhances operational efficiency, ensuring pilgrims reach their accommodations smoothly and on time.

AI-Powered ‘Smart Enrichment Assistant’ at the Prophet’s Mosque

The Agency for Religious Affairs at the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the Smart Enrichment Assistant, an innovative application designed to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season. The app uses artificial intelligence to provide valuable services in multiple languages, including prayer times, imam schedules, and the locations of religious lessons.

Launched in the presence of prominent religious leaders, the app aligns with the Presidency’s strategy to integrate technology into the service of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernising its religious services while maintaining a message of moderation.

Streamlined luggage handling with Makkah Route Initiative

To further ease the pilgrimage experience, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has introduced a luggage coding and sorting system under the Makkah Route Initiative. Pilgrims’ luggage is tagged with coded stickers at departure airports, such as Ankara Esenboğa Airport in Turkiye, containing key travel and accommodation details.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is efficiently transported to pilgrims’ accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, reducing the stress of luggage handling and allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to streamline travel procedures and enhance pilgrim convenience.

SDAIA expands services at International Hajj Gateway

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is playing a crucial role in optimizing the pilgrim experience at international airports. At Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, SDAIA’s technologies are facilitating smooth travel for Turkish pilgrims, expediting processing and minimizing wait times.

Using advanced AI systems, SDAIA’s team ensures that pilgrims are processed efficiently, with no delays, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from around the world.

These technological advancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dedication to modernizing the pilgrimage process, improving services for millions of pilgrims each year, and fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030.