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Saudi Arabia Permits Drone Medicine Deliveries for 2026 Hajj

First permit issued for drone operations to enhance medical services during the holy Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 26 May 2026 Reading time: 1 min read
Saudi Arabia Permits Drone Medicine Deliveries for 2026 Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has given its first-ever operational permit for drones to deliver medicines and medical supplies in Mecca’s holy sites during the 2026 Hajj season.

The authority stated this initiative is part of efforts to use advanced technology and innovative aviation solutions to enhance services during the pilgrimage. The aim is to improve efficiency and speed up medical and logistics responses, according to Okaz Arabic daily.

The permit ensures drone operations will be carried out under strict safety, quality, and efficiency standards within the holy sites.

This step comes after successful pilot operations during last year’s Hajj season, where drones were tested for delivering medical supplies and logistics services to different pilgrimage areas.

Authorities highlighted that these trials played a key role in creating the regulations and frameworks needed to make this year’s milestone permit possible.

Saudi Arabia has been continuously introducing artificial intelligence, automation, and drone technologies into Hajj operations. These efforts aim to improve crowd management, healthcare, and logistics for millions of pilgrims attending the annual event.

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