Hadsch in Mecca: Artificial intelligence ensures safe pilgrimage!

Hadsch in Mecca: Artificial intelligence ensures safe pilgrimage!

From Wednesday, June 3, 2025, over a million believers begin their pilgrimage Hajsch in Mecca. The Hadsch, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, stipulates that every healthy and financially able to participate Muslim at least once in life. The number of participants is particularly high this year. Even before the holidays, 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, while the total number is estimated at just under two million that take part in this important religious event.

During the pilgrimage, the faithful walk around the Kaaba in the center of the Great Mosque and complete various religious rituals. However, the Saudi Arabian authorities have also made great efforts in recent years to increase the safety of the pilgrims, especially after over 1,300 people died in 2024 due to extreme temperatures that were over 51 degrees Celsius. Numerous measures were taken to prevent similar disasters.

technology for security and efficiency

To make the Hajsch safer, Saudi Arabia uses modern technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies not only support the steering of the pilgrimage flows, but also the early detection of potential dangers. The Saudi authority for data and artificial intelligence (SDAIA) uses comprehensive information from surveillance cameras to analyze the pilgrimage movements. Surveillance cameras and AI systems for face recognition are essential elements of this security strategy.

In addition, a command center was set up by the Hajsch Ministry in order to monitor the course of the event. An app called Nusuk enables pilgrims to book travel packages, while digital systems also accelerate entry at airports. The Saudi Arabian authorities have also introduced "Fatwa robots" that answer religious questions in up to 20 languages, and various apps help to orientate themselves and to follow health information.

heat protection and emergency management

The Saudi Arabian authorities are also proactively in the control of pilgrims. Almost 270,000 unregistered pilgrims were stopped before this year. Historically, mass panics are a serious problem during pilgrimage; Technology is intended to help prevent such incidents. In the past, many pilgrims, including children, have lost their lives due to accidents or during rituals. Ten years ago, over 2,000 people died in a mass panic during the ritual of "devil's stone" in Mina. The new security measures, including modern technologies, aim to avoid such tragedies.

The Hajsch is not only a religious obligation, but also an important source of income for Saudi Arabia and part of the comprehensive modernization strategy of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With these advanced security measures and innovative technologies, the kingdom hopes to make the pilgrimage as safe and smooth as possible for everyone involved.