Public Security Director: Enhancing Ramadan Crowd Management with AI-Driven Efficiency
Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, Director of Public Security, announced the approval of the 1446 AH Umrah security plan by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Minister of Interior. The plan integrates security, traffic management, crowd control, humanitarian services, and support for participating entities.
This year’s plan prioritizes field reports, statistics, and streamlined operational protocols to align with current seasonal demands. Authorities will strategically deploy human and mechanical resources to ensure seamless pilgrimage rituals. Al-Bassami emphasized coordination with partners to deliver exceptional services to pilgrims.
Public Transport Hubs to Ease Congestion
The plan activates public transport stations around the Grand Mosque, Third Ring Road, and Makkah’s entry points. These hubs aim to distribute high-density crowds, particularly during Ramadan’s first days and peak last ten nights. Historical data shows congestion escalates by the 20th of Ramadan, reaching its zenith in the final week.
The Grand Mosque’s ground floor and rooftop will prioritize pilgrims for Tawaf (circumambulation), coordinated with the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques. Designated gates—King Fahd, King Abdulaziz, Umrah, Salam, Fath, and Nadwah—will link to staircases for rooftop access.
Al-Bassami confirmed upgrades to northern platforms and expanded capacity in the Third Saudi Expansion and external plazas. These areas will accommodate worshippers while maintaining full service accessibility.
Traffic Flow and Post-Umrah Crowd Management
The plan balances traffic across zones, opening the Al-Shamiyah corridor near the Third Expansion to ease southern plaza pressure. Post-Umrah, crowds will redirect via the Beni Sheba Bridge to western areas like Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street or Jabal Al-Ka’bah, a strategy proven effective in prior years.
Authorities will leverage AI and real-time surveillance via the Command-and-Control Center to address emerging issues. Al-Bassami praised Mecca’s residents, expatriates, and visitors for their cooperation with security personnel.
A dedicated strategy for Ramadan’s last ten days will reinforce earlier measures, optimize successes, and address challenges to ensure unobstructed pathways.
Previous seasons saw prayer rows extending to the Second Ring Road. This year, pilgrim routes from the Second Ring Road to the Grand Mosque’s courtyard will remain open to prevent bottlenecks.
