ISLAMABAD: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made great strides in enhancing pilgrims' experience for the 2024 Hajj season by embracing data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
These innovations are implemented with a commitment to responsible AI practices and applications. This year, the Route to Makkah initiative has seen these advanced technologies deployed across 11 airports in seven countries and 14 points of entry for pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia. Each point of entry is equipped with 1,092 workstations with the latest biometric capture and enrollment devices, managed by a team of dedicated in-country technical staff working around the clock to ensure uninterrupted service.
Abdullah bin Sharaf Al Ghamdi, chairman of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), highlighted that the use of AI systems has significantly enhanced the management of Hajj activities, improving productivity, efficiency and safety.
Our collaboration with various government agencies involved in Hajj operations ensures optimal service for pilgrims.
Dr. Al Ghamdi highlighted SDAIA's continuous efforts to develop services during Hajj, aligning it with year-round efforts to ease pilgrims' entry into Saudi Arabia through the digitalization of airports and border crossings, which he said contribute to a smoother, more organized and efficient experience for pilgrims.
During this Hajj season, Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of SDAIA, has introduced several advanced technological services in line with the directives of the national leadership, including the smart platforms Basier and Sawaher.
Basier, Saudi Arabia's first real-time computer vision system, is one of the largest crowd control systems in the Middle East. The system employs national algorithms to monitor and manage crowds at the Grand Mosque, regulating movements and facilitating vehicular flows to ensure a safe and orderly environment.
SDAIA's efforts reflect the continued support of His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister and Chairman of the SDAIA Board of Directors, which is essential to achieving the goals of the Hajj Experience Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030.
Developed and operated by SDAIA, the Sawaher platform uses data analytics and AI to analyze live and recorded video feeds and thermal camera imagery. The technology enhances security measures at Hajj venues and ensures a comfortable and smooth journey for pilgrims. This year, Sawaher's coverage has been expanded to include a wider area around the Grand Mosque, as well as major roads, tunnels and holy sites in Makkah and the land routes leading to these areas.
In addition to these platforms, SDAIA has introduced over 315 digital services through the Tawakkalna app to enhance pilgrims' experience.The services include weather gate, recitation of the Holy Quran, Qibla direction indication, viewing of digital pilgrim card (Nusuk), entry permission for vehicles and Hajj staff, ambulance request, SOS service, and more.
Additionally, the Ehsan platform provides various services such as Hajj assistance for first-time pilgrims, provision of food and water, and facilitating the performance of rituals (Nusuk) through digital Adahi requests and distribution via the Adahi program.
These technological advances underscore Saudi Arabia's efforts to leverage data and AI to improve the hajj experience, making it easier and more comfortable for pilgrims to perform their religious obligations.
