Hajj 2025 Marks Saudi's Most Digitally Advanced Pilgrimage

Saudi Arabia raised the bar for pilgrimage experiences this year by delivering the most technologically advanced and globally coordinated Hajj in history. Over 1.67 million international pilgrims from more than 130 countries took part in the sacred journey, backed by smart systems, digital tools, and seamless crowd management solutions.

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Speaking to Al Arabiya English, Dr. Al-Hassan bin Yahya al-Manakhra, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, called the achievement both a “profound privilege and a sacred responsibility.”

To ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience, the Kingdom deployed over 250,000 personnel spanning the government, private, and non-profit sectors. Among the key innovations rolled out were AI-powered crowd control, digital immigration checks, drones for emergency aid, and wearable devices that monitor pilgrims’ health.

“Every measure taken had a single purpose: to ease the experience so that pilgrims can focus on their spiritual journey with complete peace of mind,” said al-Manakhra.

Blending Tradition With Innovation

Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy for Hajj 2025 took center stage. From robotic assistants and voice-activated translators in 11 languages to smart bracelets that guide pilgrims, the Kingdom merged tradition with modern tech to enhance every stage of the journey.

Control centers powered by AI managed crowd flows, traffic, and emergency response, while smart infrastructure projects, like the largest-ever expansion of the Grand Mosque, helped ease congestion and improve movement.

Global Coordination and the ‘Makkah Route’

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah held over 130 bilateral meetings with 78 countries ahead of the pilgrimage, reflecting a deep commitment to international cooperation.

A key initiative, the “Makkah Route,” allowed pilgrims to complete visa, health, and biometric checks at airports in their home countries. Their luggage was pre-coded, and they were transported straight to their accommodations in the Kingdom. This initiative currently operates in eight countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Morocco.

“These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to international collaboration, built on shared values and mutual respect,” said al-Manakhra.

Personalised Care With Nusuk App and Card

Pilgrims were supported every step of the way through the Nusuk digital platform, which offered real-time assistance, multi-language support, and 24/7 access to the Pilgrims’ Care Center via hotline 1966.

This system enabled pilgrims to report any issues and receive rapid support, ensuring a consistent level of service across cultures and languages.

Health and Climate Readiness

With rising temperatures across the region, Saudi Arabia significantly enhanced its heat-preparedness strategy. This included:

• 35,000 m² of shaded areas in Mina
• 50,000 m² of shade in Arafat
• Thousands of misting fans
• 400 water stations
• Solar-cooled rest areas
• Over 20,000 new trees for natural cooling

Health workers and volunteers were fully trained to manage heat-related issues, while wearable tech monitored real-time symptoms of heat stress in pilgrims.

Looking Ahead to Year-Round Pilgrims

Following the successful close of Hajj 2025, the Umrah season officially opened on June 10. The Kingdom now shifts its focus to supporting pilgrims year-round.

“We look forward to welcoming pilgrims from every corner of the globe and continuing our dialogue with all partner countries to ensure a smooth, safe, and sacred journey for every guest of Allah,” said al-Manakhra.