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How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience

Special How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience
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Updated 06 June 2025

How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience

How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience
  • AI tools are transforming the Hajj experience, enhancing safety, easing logistics, and enriching spirituality for millions of pilgrims
  • From crowd control to faith tools, Hajj 2025 showcases a bold fusion of ancient ritual and cutting-edge digital innovation

RIYADH: As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims to Makkah in 2025, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is using a powerful suite of artificial intelligence tools to ensure that this sacred journey is safer, smoother, and more spiritually enriching than ever before.

In a remarkable blend of ancient ritual and modern innovation, the Kingdom is harnessing AI, biometric technologies, and digital services to overcome the logistical challenges of hosting one of the world’s largest religious gatherings — from crowd control to heat management — all while preserving the sanctity of the experience.




AI-powered tools have been developedÌýto give pilgrims more time to focus on their Hajj obligations. (SPA photo)

“º£½ÇÖ±²¥ carries an immense responsibility in hosting millions of pilgrims,†Hatem Mandeel, managing director and co-founder of the digital transformation consultancy Tyde AI, told Arab News. “It continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to this role through innovative approaches to event management and safety.â€

At the heart of this transformation is Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s national roadmap for economic diversification and digital growth. This year’s Hajj reflects those ambitions in action, with technologies being used to streamline everything from spiritual guidance to crowd movement.

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Among the most notable are two new tools — the Smart Enrichment Assistant and the Digital Mutawwif.

Developed by the Agency for Religious Affairs at the Prophet’s Mosque, the Smart Enrichment Assistant provides real-time updates on prayer times, imam schedules, and locations of religious activities. Offered in numerous languages, it reduces logistical stress while deepening spiritual engagement for pilgrims.




AI-powered tools have been developedÌýto give pilgrims more time to focus on their Hajj obligations. (SPA photo)

The Digital Mutawwif, meanwhile, was created by the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to serve as a digital companion for Umrah pilgrims. It includes navigation tools for tawaf and sa’i, a library of audio-visual supplications, and built-in ritual counters to help pilgrims stay focused and on track.

These tools are complemented by the Makkah Route Initiative, a fast-track immigration service powered by biometric technology and AI.

Now operating at 11 international airports in seven countries, the initiative allows pilgrims to complete visa, customs, and health checks before boarding their flights — reducing congestion on arrival.




Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) hasÌýdeveloped the Smart Makkah Operations Center (Smart Moc)Ìýto ensureÌýthe safety and comfort of Hajj pilgrims and facilitating their movement and the services provided to them. (SPA)

It is supported by round-the-clock monitoring systems run by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, which ensure health compliance and swift issue resolution through AI-driven analytics.

Behind the scenes, more sophisticated AI platforms are addressing the enormous logistical demands of Hajj. One of the most critical is Baseer, a platform developed by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

Using computer vision and machine learning, Baseer tracks and analyzes the movements of more than one million worshippers a day inside the Grand Mosque. The insights help authorities predict crowd surges and prevent dangerous bottlenecks.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Smart Enrichment Assistant helps pilgrims navigate rituals with real-time updates and multilingual spiritual guidance.

• Digital Mutawwif guides pilgrims step by step through tawaf and sa’i, with visual aids, supplications, and ritual counters.

• Makkah Route Initiative fast tracks immigration using biometrics and AI, easing congestion before pilgrims even arrive.

• Baseer tracks more than a million worshippers a day to manage crowd flow and prevent bottlenecks at the Grand Mosque.

Using AI at this scale is a major milestone in event management, especially in sensitive, sacred contexts.

“Building this technology is one thing, but maintaining system reliability under high demand, ensuring data privacy and properly onboarding personnel is a whole operation in itself,†Mandeel said.

Adding a more personal and interactive touch, the Kingdom has also introduced Manarah 2, a multilingual robot equipped with a smart touchscreen. It provides real-time information and guidance to pilgrims in several languages, along with a dedicated application to help non-Arabic speakers recite Surah Al-Fatiha correctly.

“This demonstrates how º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is taking the initiative to manage — but also elevate — the sacred journey for millions of pilgrims,†Mandeel said. “This is a powerful example of how AI can thoughtfully enhance sacred, deeply human experiences — something more people globally should be aware of and inspired by.â€

With extreme heat, massive crowds, and time-sensitive rituals, the pilgrimage poses huge logistical challenges. But º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s strategic investment in AI is setting a global standard for how digital transformation can serve human traditions.

“This proactive use of technology not only supports the goals of Vision 2030,†ÌýMandeel said. “But also offers a model for other nations managing large-scale gatherings in sensitive contexts.â€
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‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
Updated 23 October 2025

‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
  • Latest attraction delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike

RIYADH: Riyadh’s Boulevard World has opened a new aquatic attraction, “Amazonia Awakens,†as part of Riyadh Season 2025, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of adventure, imagination, and stunning visual effects.

The experience draws guests into an imaginative story inspired by the mystique of tropical rainforests, offering an interactive journey through a vividly designed, Amazon-inspired, immersive world, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The adventure begins aboard a boat gliding through ancient-like ruins and a dark tunnel filled with dramatic sound, light, and interactive effects.

It builds up to a heart-pounding moment where the boat plunges 20 meters down in a breathtaking splash, crowned by a massive wave that stands out as one of Boulevard World’s most thrilling moments.
 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026. (SPA)

Lasting about ten minutes, Amazonia Awakens delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.

With its high-quality design and immersive experience, Amazonia adds a distinctive touch to Riyadh Season’s lineup of attractions. 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026.

Several other festivals are held elsewhere in the Kingdom the whole year round in a bid to boost tourism, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 

During a pre-opening announcement on Oct. 6, Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh reported that Riyadh Season attracted 20 million visitors from 135 countries.

Apart from the Boulevard World, Riyadh Season’s other key venues include Boulevard City, major event spaces such as Kingdom Arena and ANB Arena, and other notable areas like Dunes of Arabia for desert experiences and Riyadh Zoo for family-friendly activities. 
 


Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat
Updated 23 October 2025

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences to the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Wednesday following the death of Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 75.

He was a diplomat who served in several high-ranking positions, including acting undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and director of the ministry’s European Department, The Times Kuwait reported.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince offered their prayers that God would forgive the deceased and have mercy on him, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
Updated 22 October 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
  • Kingdom says it firmly rejects all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank
  • Foreign Ministry reminds international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachment

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Foreign Ministry condemned the preliminary approval by the Israeli parliament on Wednesday of two draft laws, one of which seeks to legitimize an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, and another attempting to impose Israeli sovereignty over the entire territory.

The Kingdom said it firmly rejected all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank, and reaffirmed its support for the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions.

The ministry reminded the international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachments on Palestinian territory, and called for a peace process that results in a two-state solution to achieve security and stability in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier, Israeli lawmakers voted in the Knesset to advance two bills related to annexation of the West Bank, a goal promoted by far-right ministers. The drafts will have to go through three additional votes in the parliament to become law.

The first bill, which passed by 32 votes to 9, proposes annexation of a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem. The second, which proposes annexation of the entire West Bank, narrowly passed by 25 votes to 24.


Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥
Updated 22 October 2025

Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received the Belgian Ambassador to the Kingdom Pascal Gregoire in Dammam on Wednesday.

He also received UAE’s ambassador to º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Matar Salem Al-Dhaheri, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest.


Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Screenshot)
Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Screenshot)
Updated 22 October 2025

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Screenshot)
  • Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23

RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars.

The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The religious scholar will also undertake the role of president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, SPA said.

Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23.