AI helps manage crowds at Grand Mosque in Makkah
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has ramped up its support for government agencies providing digital services to Umrah performers during Ramadan, as the Two Holy Mosques experience high volumes of visitors.
These initiatives align with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed to enhance services for pilgrims.
SDAIA has ensured the technical readiness of all entry points to Saudi Arabia — air, sea, and land borders — by deploying a national team working around the clock with relevant authorities.
This team maintains primary and backup communication systems to guarantee uninterrupted service for Umrah visitors.
A key development in crowd management is the Baseer platform, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior's General Security Directorate.
This advanced computer vision system uses AI to monitor and analyze visitor movement within the Grand Mosque, including crowd tracking, detecting counter-directional movement, and assisting in locating missing persons.
SDAIA has also established a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Interior's Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security to develop algorithms that improve services at both the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
In a recent initiative with the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Interior, SDAIA has implemented 70 AI-powered electronic gates at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. These gates streamline the entry process for Umrah performers and visitors, ensuring both security and convenience while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
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