Hajj sets global benchmark for Smart crowd management

Trade Arabia

a day ago

As the sun rose over Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah, more than one million pilgrims moved in unison — guided by faith, devotion, and a sophisticated web of artificial intelligence, smart systems, and human coordination that ensured a journey as smooth as it was spiritual.
This unprecedented mobilisation, orchestrated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and its partners in the ecosystem, marks a major milestone in the 2025 Hajj season. Over 1.4 million international pilgrims, representing over 130 nationalities, arrived at the holy sites this week — transported safely and efficiently via over 20,000 buses and the Mashair Train network.
'This is one of the largest coordinated people-movements on Earth,' said Dr Emmad Flibman, Tafweej Advisor at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. 'Thanks to more than 98% alignment across Hajj groups, pilgrims are able to fulfil their rites in peace and without crowding—on their own schedule.'
Saudi Arabia's mastery of crowd management is the result of decades of experience hosting the world's largest recurring religious gathering. Every Hajj season builds on the last, with extensive simulations, audits, and post-event analysis feeding into a dynamic system of continuous improvement. The Kingdom's ability to harmonize massive movement with minimal disruption is not only a logistical achievement—it's a spiritual service.
The infrastructure behind the scenes tells the story: multi-level stoning complexes, expanded pilgrimage routes, high-speed trains, smart surveillance networks, and a communication system that spans languages and nationalities. Every component is part of a single philosophy: to safeguard the pilgrim's journey both physically and spiritually.
'Everything felt so calm and organised,' said Fatima Ahmed, a first-time pilgrim from Indonesia. 'I was nervous before coming, but the way we were guided made it feel like the journey was being carried for us.'
Saudi Arabia's approach shows not only careful planning but also a deep respect for cultural and emotional needs. Movement schedules are thoughtfully timed to match the spiritual flow of the rituals. Group leaders from each country work closely with local authorities to support a smooth and meaningful experience. Communication is clear, caring, and offered in many languages. This balance between organization and devotion is what truly sets Saudi Arabia apart.
The ministry conducted large-scale simulations and trained thousands of staff ahead of Tarwiyah Day, ensuring that no detail was left to chance. Emergency response units, service stations, and crowd guidance personnel were all activated as part of a multi-agency effort.
'Our goal is not just to manage movement,' Dr Flibman added. 'It's to honour the spiritual significance of each pilgrim's journey.'
Saudi Arabia's Hajj operation is now studied globally as a model for managing mass gatherings — religious or otherwise. With its seamless fusion of technology, infrastructure, cultural empathy, and governance, the Kingdom has shown the world how to manage crowds with care, precision, and purpose.