Saudi Arabia’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is leading a smart ecosystem to monitor and support the Hajj journey through advanced digital platforms designed to manage crowds and identify congestion points within the Grand Mosque, including the Tawaf area.
The authority, working in coordination with other government entities, has deployed its technologies across 12 international airports in eight countries, creating a fully integrated digital system backed by real-time analytics and advanced algorithms. The initiative aims to support the Hajj operation and improve the quality of services offered to pilgrims.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, SDAIA’s Vice President, Engineer Sami bin Abdullah Moquim, said the authority has harnessed its advanced technical infrastructure and skilled workforce, including data scientists, AI specialists, engineers and technicians, to develop smart solutions that empower both government and private sector entities to make timely, informed decisions and boost operational efficiency.
Smart platforms activated
Moquim said SDAIA has completed its preparations for the Hajj season in line with directives from the Saudi leadership to ensure the comfort and ease of pilgrims. He noted that the authority has extended technical support to government agencies tasked with managing the pilgrimage.
This support includes launching and activating several digital platforms during Hajj seasons to deliver high-quality services using the latest technologies, he said.
SDAIA’s engineers and technicians are working around the clock to maintain the digital infrastructure, ensure continuity of services for pilgrims, and address any technical challenges across the Kingdom’s land, sea, and air border crossings in coordination with relevant authorities.
He added that SDAIA’s technical teams are operating dedicated workstations to facilitate the entry procedures of pilgrims and are providing continuous support in the terminals designated for their arrival to ensure smooth operation of systems and uninterrupted communication.
Advanced tech at entry points
SDAIA is extending its digital support to frontline security teams stationed at checkpoints and entry points leading to Makkah, while also equipping key holy sites with advanced technologies to streamline the Hajj experience, said Moquim.
Additionally, the authority is supporting security entities at filtering checkpoints and security centers around Makkah and is operating sites in the holy locations of Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, and the Grand Mosque.
The authority is also managing tech operations at the Al-Muaisem emergency complex and overseeing preventive maintenance to ensure systems remain fully functional throughout the pilgrimage season, Moquim told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Global airport presence
SDAIA has also deployed enhanced digital and AI-powered systems at 12 international airports across eight countries as part of its support for the “Makkah Route” initiative.
The initiative aims to ease travel procedures for pilgrims from the moment they depart their home countries through to their arrival in Saudi Arabia and eventual return with minimal disruption.
Technical teams are remotely monitoring the systems and workstations deployed in these airports to ensure seamless operations. SDAIA is also providing real-time technical support to resolve malfunctions, maintain high performance levels, and ensure integrated service delivery.
The initiative includes biometric registration workstations for pilgrims, mobile work units, and upgraded infrastructure to expedite entry procedures across all ports in line with the authority’s operational plan.
Upgraded permit platform
Moquim said SDAIA has upgraded the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh”, launched by the Ministry of Interior. The platform, integrated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s “Nusuk” platform, enables domestic and international pilgrims, workers, volunteers, and transport vehicles to obtain and display entry permits for Makkah and the holy sites.
He added that the national “Tawakkalna” app now allows users to view all types of Hajj permits through direct integration with the Tasreeh platform. “This feature simplifies access to permits from all government bodies involved in Hajj,” Moquim said.
The app also offers emergency services such as “Esafni” (Rescue Me), allowing pilgrims to request urgent medical or safety assistance with a few simple steps. With its wide range of integrated services, Tawakkalna plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout their journey.
Smart operations for crowd management
The Saudi AI Authority is rolling out a series of innovative tech solutions to streamline the Hajj experience, with its Smart Makkah Operations Center (SMART MOC) playing a central role in coordinating real-time systems and platforms supporting millions of pilgrims.
Located in the holy city of Makkah, the SMART MOC is one of the core operational pillars underpinning the government’s digital infrastructure for Hajj.
The center monitors and manages the advanced systems deployed by SDAIA throughout the Hajj season and year-round, Moquim said.
“The SMART MOC is helping raise the quality of digital services offered to pilgrims,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat, noting that the center boosts crowd control and security coordination across the holy sites.
AI-Powered crowd monitoring
A key feature of the center is the Baseer platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. It uses advanced AI algorithms and real-time data processing to detect and analyze crowd density and distribution within the Grand Mosque and its surroundings.
Baseer’s computer vision tools allow authorities to pinpoint overcrowded zones, such as the Tawaf area, moment by moment. The platform provides highly accurate, real-time data that supports mobility planning and enables authorities to take swift action to prevent overcrowding or stampedes, ensuring the highest safety standards for pilgrims during the Hajj.
Smart surveillance integration
The operations center also incorporates cutting-edge platforms, such as Sawaher and Sawaher Qiyada, both developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. These platforms deliver intelligent analytics of live security camera feeds across the holy sites and access points, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency.
By analyzing vast amounts of live surveillance data, the system supports instant decision-making and bolsters field-level coordination. SDAIA says the platform’s ability to integrate big data analytics with real-time video monitoring plays a crucial role in maintaining security and operational readiness across the Hajj landscape.
Ehsan platform expands charitable services during Hajj
Saudi Arabia’s Ehsan platform is expanding its presence during this year’s Hajj, offering a wide range of charitable services and initiatives aimed at maximizing social impact and supporting pilgrims through acts of giving.
Moquim said Ehsan plays a key role in addressing the diverse needs of pilgrims by providing opportunities for donations and participation in community-focused projects.
Among its key offerings this season is a sponsorship program for pilgrims who have never performed Hajj, allowing donors to contribute to fulfilling the dreams of those unable to afford the journey.
The platform also facilitates initiatives to feed pilgrims and provide clean drinking water at the holy sites.
In partnership with the Kingdom’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (Adahi), Ehsan supports the sacrificial offering program by enabling pilgrims and donors to authorize the platform to perform their animal sacrifices on their behalf. The sacrifices are then distributed to eligible recipients in accordance with Islamic requirements, safely, securely, and on time.
