As millions of Muslims prepare for Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia is taking a transformative leap by deploying cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to ensure a safer, smoother, and more spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
In line with Vision 2030, the Kingdom is blending ancient Islamic rituals with modern innovations, using AI, biometric systems, and digital tools to manage one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. From crowd control to real-time guidance, the Kingdom’s digital transformation is redefining how the sacred journey is experienced.
“We continue to witness Saudi Arabia’s immense commitment to hosting pilgrims through smart, scalable, and spiritually sensitive solutions,” said Hatem Mandeel, co-founder of Tyde AI, a digital transformation consultancy.
At the forefront are AI-powered innovations like the Smart Enrichment Assistant and Digital Mutawwif. These tools help pilgrims stay focused on rituals by offering real-time prayer schedules, imam updates, multilingual guidance, navigation for tawaf and sa’i, and digital counters for rituals.
For international pilgrims, the Makkah Route Initiative—a biometric-based fast-track system—is already operational at 11 airports in seven countries. It allows travelers to complete immigration, customs, and health checks before boarding, drastically reducing delays on arrival.
Behind the scenes, AI platforms like Baseer—developed by the Ministry of Interior and the Saudi Data and AI Authority—are analyzing real-time movements of over a million worshippers daily in the Grand Mosque. This predictive technology helps manage crowd surges and prevent bottlenecks, ensuring smoother crowd flow.
Additionally, the multilingual robot Manarah 2, equipped with a smart touchscreen, offers real-time assistance, including proper recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha for non-Arabic speakers, enhancing spiritual engagement through accessibility.
These innovations demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is not only managing the logistical complexities of Hajj but also enhancing the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the journey.
“This thoughtful integration of AI into one of the most sacred traditions in Islam is a global benchmark in how technology can respectfully serve human values,” said Mandeel.
With rising temperatures and time-sensitive rituals, Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven Hajj model showcases how tradition and technology can harmoniously coexist, setting new standards for managing mass gatherings worldwide.
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