Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia Harnesses AI, Technology to Serve Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has provided pilgrims with an exceptional experience during Hajj 2024 through harnessing technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
In this year’s Hajj, the Kingdom introduced new technologies and services, including the flying taxi, to facilitate the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
Logistics Services
The Saudi Transport General Authority has introduced the automated monitoring vehicle for the first time during Hajj 2024. The new vehicle monitors all transportation vehicles in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to make sure they comply with Saudi high standards and quality.
The automated vehicle basically uses mobile surveillance cameras to provide accurate identification for the type and data of various vehicles such as buses, taxis, and trucks. This new technology aims to maintain pilgrims’ security and safety in all transportation means during Hajj season.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has launched self-driving vehicles to deliver orders within the holy sites, as well as self-driving refrigerated vehicles for last-mile delivery in Makkah and the holy sites.
The Kingdom also harnessed all the operational capabilities of the Jeddah Islamic Port in preparation for providing comprehensive logistical services. The services include handling containers from the ship, inspecting Eid al-Adha livestock sacrifice and ensuring their safety before transporting them to the holy sites.
Flying Taxis
This year, Saudi Arabia has used flying taxi services for pilgrims. Flying taxis facilitated the transportation of pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
The aircraft is fully electric and can accommodate 4-6 passengers. Around 100 Lilium eVTOL were deployed during the Hajj season 2024 to provide an exceptional and enhanced travel experience for pilgrims.
Digital Maps
During this Hajj season, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a special system using GPS and interactive digital maps to help pilgrims move around the holy sites.
This digital interactive map service aims to make it easier for those visiting the Grand Mosque to move around it. It identifies the locations of religious rituals and its main landmarks, including the “Mattaf” area and the “Sa’ay” area and shows directions to these areas.
Medical Care
Saudi Arabia has utilized AI and technology to provide medical services for pilgrims during Hajj season 2024. The Saudi Ministry of Health has launched technologies and electronic systems to monitor and detect epidemics early during the Hajj season.
It further helps to examine the health situation and provide health care through rapid intervention to combat and contain the infection so that it does not spread.
Given the extremely hot weather during this Hajj season, the Saudi National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has harnessed an integrated system of technologies, human capabilities, and technical expertise to deal with the consequences of high temperatures.
For this end, the NCM has launched a media and awareness center in Mina, which will provide daily weather updates and awareness messages for pilgrims in 5 languages through 12 media channels.
Robot Guides
The Presidency of Religious Affairs activated the smart guidance robot in the Grand Mosque to provide fatwa services with simultaneous translation in 11 international languages.
The smart robots guide pilgrims on how to perform rituals and provide fatwas about the Two Holy Mosques electronically, in accordance with the teachings of Islamic Sharia.
The guidance robot operates using 11 international languages: Arabic, English, French, Russian, Persian, Turkish, Malay, Urdu, Chinese, Bengali, and Hausa.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has launched smart robot service in the Central Area in Madinah to assist pilgrims who visit the Prophet’s Mosque during Hajj 2024.
The Ministry of Health branch in Madinah has positioned the robots at the courtyard to spread awareness, educational messages, and health advice in more than 96 languages to promote the pilgrims’ journeys in the Holy sites.
Digital Services
To fully exploit advanced technologies in enriching pilgrims’ experience, the Saudi Ministry of Interior launched the digital identity services for individuals arriving to the Kingdom with a Hajj visa. This new service is part of the government efforts to promote digital transformation and harness technology to serve people, in accordance with Vision 2030 objectives.
Through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms, pilgrims can electronically verify their identity to ensure an easy and streamlined journey, with high-quality services.
In addition, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has introduced a digital system to streamline Tawaf during the Hajj season 2024.
The initiative involves developing smart digital applications, which enable pilgrims to perform Hajj rituals smoothly and with devotion. They also monitor Tawaf operations, and ensure that Tawaf guides adhere to instructions and guidelines to deliver the best outcome for pilgrims.
Makkah Route Initiative
The Makkah Route Initiative has adopted a digital and AI-enhanced approach to facilitate services for pilgrims from across the world. The initiative deploys advanced technology and algorithms to facilitate the Hajj journey by enabling pilgrims to finish entry procedures through dedicated lounges in their home country airports.
The initiative uses advanced technologies and digital solutions to provide other services, including issuing electronic Hajj visas, collecting biometric data, completing passport procedures, and tagging and sorting luggage.
Nusuk Wallet
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has collaborated with the Saudi National Bank (SNB AlAhli) to launch the world’s first international digital wallet ‘Nusuk Wallet’ to serve pilgrims.
Nusuk Wallet enables Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to manage their money and expenses through a banking infrastructure supported by SNB AlAhli.
The ministry has employed the latest state-of-the-art technologies and encryption techniques to ensure the highest level of security for pilgrims’ financial transactions.
