AI Takes Center Stage At Hajj Services Expo

At the fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, industry experts convened to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform the pilgrimage experience for millions of visitors. Hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the theme “The Road to the Nusuk,” the event brought together over 300 local and international organizations to showcase innovative solutions aimed at enhancing services for pilgrims.

During the discussions, Mohammed Al-Hamid, director of the AI Center at the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the transformative role of AI in pilgrimage management. He remarked, “We are using AI to develop long-term solutions that enhance the sustainability of Hajj services, including managing human density by analyzing crowd flow and predicting congestion, offering multilingual guidance, utilizing big data to anticipate pilgrims’ needs, and efficiently distributing human and technical resources.”

Currently, only 5 percent of available technological capabilities have been utilized in the sector, highlighting significant untapped potential. Al-Hamid also noted that AI could play a critical role in managing crowds by tracking movements, identifying potential hazards, and making real-time adjustments to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.

Abdulaziz Al-Matahami, deputy minister of planning and digital transformation at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, outlined the ministry’s digital transformation journey. “We first digitized traditional services, then moved to integrate government agencies to offer customized services for each pilgrim and Umrah performer,” he said. Al-Matahami also highlighted the upgraded Nusuk app, which offers a range of services including hotel and flight reservations, historical tours, and permits for the Two Holy Mosques. Additionally, he announced the launch of the Nusuk Business platform to encourage collaboration with entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions.

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Fahad Al-Ghamdi, CEO of human resources at National Security Services Co., presented advanced solutions for crowd management. He explained, “We operate as an integrated security system, offering consulting, risk analysis, and advanced technical solutions, such as mobile command and control centers with cameras supported by AI to analyze data in real time.”

Tamer Bdran, vice president of NEC Saudi Arabia Ltd., underscored the impact of cutting-edge technologies tailored to the unique needs of Hajj and Umrah. He stated, “Technologies such as facial and fingerprint recognition, along with simulating crowd flow using supercomputing, have improved planning and reduced waiting times at ports and airports.”

The conference also featured a visit from Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin, who toured the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion. She was briefed on initiatives designed to ensure a safe and seamless Hajj experience, such as AI-enhanced security systems, the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, and the Makkah Route initiative, which expedites pilgrims’ entry processes.

The event underscored the optimism surrounding AI’s potential to address longstanding challenges in pilgrimage management. With initiatives like AI-driven crowd monitoring, personalized services, and the integration of cutting-edge technology into traditional systems, the future of Hajj and Umrah looks poised for a technological transformation that prioritizes both sustainability and the well-being of pilgrims.

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