Latest news with #Tawakkalna
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
How Hajj 2025 Became the Most Accessible Pilgrimage in History
From smart cooling roads to AI-guided apps, Saudi Arabia is transforming Hajj for millions of pilgrims this year. Jun 03, 2025 For Hajj 2025 (1446 AH), Saudi Arabia has rolled out a wave of upgrades aimed at easing the physical, logistical, and informational burdens of the pilgrimage. These initiatives span cooling technologies, smart infrastructure, AI tools, and multilingual guides—many of them focused specifically on improving access for elderly, disabled, and international pilgrims. Here's a look at the most important initiatives shaping this year's Hajj… Cooling Roads & Rubber Walkways to Ease the Trek One of the most physically demanding aspects of Hajj is the long-distance walking in extreme heat. This year, authorities have expanded heat-reducing smart asphalt by 82% in Arafat alone, lowering surface temperatures by up to 12°C. Meanwhile, rubberised walkways designed to reduce foot pain and fatigue have been increased by 33%, especially in Muzdalifah and Mina. Shade, Mist & Greenery in the Holy Sites To combat heat stress, new shaded rest zones spanning over 110,000 square metres have been added in Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah. These include misting fans, water stations, and over 10,000 newly planted trees, transforming major walking paths into cooler corridors. Smart Roads, AI Drones & Crowd Management Tech Artificial intelligence is being deployed to improve crowd flow and safety. AI-powered cameras, drones, and ground sensors are now in use to monitor real-time crowd densities. Smart roadways with embedded heat sensors also help direct foot traffic and maintain cooler surfaces. Saudia's 'Coolest Ihram' & Accessibility Services The national carrier unveiled a new cooling ihram designed to lower body temperature by ~2°C. It's moisture-wicking, UV-protective, and breathable. Saudia also expanded onboard accessibility services, including mobility aids and in-flight oxygen for elderly and disabled pilgrims. 28,000 Square Metres of Dedicated Rest Areas Rest has become a formal part of the infrastructure. A total of 28,000 square metres of shaded, cushioned rest zones are now available—especially in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims often sleep before returning to Mina. Supercharged Digital Ecosystem: Nusuk & Tawakkalna The Nusuk super-app was upgraded to include crowd alerts, digital permits, real-time directions, and multilingual guides. Simultaneously, the Tawakkalna app now allows digital display of official Hajj permits directly from a pilgrim's smartphone. Health Preparedness: From Kits to Air Ambulances A new multilingual Health Kit offers vaccine requirements, heatstroke prevention tips, and emergency contacts in eight languages. The Ministry of Health also deployed 11 air ambulances, 71 ERs, and three mobile hospitals, treating over 50,000 pilgrims and conducting 140 surgeries with no outbreaks. Smart Guides at the Prophet's Mosque In Madinah, an AI-powered 'Smart Enrichment Assistant' helps pilgrims locate prayers, lectures, and facilities inside the Prophet's Mosque. Content is available in multiple languages and adjusts based on your location inside the mosque. Efficient Luggage & Postal Logistics for Pilgrims Saudi Post (SPL Sabala) launched a two-month logistics window to assist pilgrims with baggage routing, Hajj souvenirs, and package forwarding—all using smart tracking and real-time delivery. Multilingual Ritual Guides On Demand For the first time, pilgrims can access a 'Smart Book of Hajj Rituals' in six languages, available via mosque digital libraries and on Saudia flights.
Leaders
4 days ago
- Leaders
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Revolutionizes Pilgrimage with Cutting-Edge AI Services
Saudi Arabia is deploying cutting-edge smart technology and AI-driven platforms to assist nearly two million pilgrims during Hajj 2025. The Kingdom has launched numerous intelligent digital services to significantly enhance pilgrim facilitation. This forward-thinking approach greatly streamlines the entire pilgrimage journey for visitors. Advanced AI Services for Pilgrims One of the standout services is Manarah 2, an AI robot stationed in key locations. This robot provides real-time assistance to Hajj pilgrims in over 20 languages, ensuring effective communication and support. Another significant service is the Nusuk card, which allows pilgrims to schedule visits to the sacred Rawdah area in the Prophet's Mosque. With this card, pilgrims can access their contact information and accommodation details, significantly reducing the number of lost individuals. Saudi Arabia also offers the Makkah Bus Guidance Center, equipped with smart technology. This platform operates in conjunction with the Nusuk platform and the smart Arshidni system, ensuring safe and accurate transportation for pilgrims to their accommodations. Additionally, the Tawakkalna mobile health application informs pilgrims about their health conditions and provides access to necessary medical services. This application enhances the overall health and safety of attendees during the pilgrimage. Innovative Applications for Enhanced Experience Saudi Arabia will introduce the Smart Enrichment Assistant, an innovative application that informs visitors in various languages about valuable services. This includes prayer times, imam schedules, and locations of religious classes, enriching the spiritual experience for all pilgrims. Furthermore, the Makkah Route Initiative streamlines travel procedures for Hajj pilgrims in their home countries. This initiative facilitates smooth and seamless processes at designated departure points, enhancing the overall travel experience. Riyadh has also launched a baggage coding and sorting system to simplify the baggage delivery process at departure airports. This system ensures that baggage arrives directly at pilgrim accommodations in Makkah or Madinah. Additionally, a mobile application for reading and learning the Quran enhances the spiritual engagement of pilgrims. According to Saudi authorities, more than 1.2 million pilgrims have already arrived to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which begins this week. With these advanced services, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to providing a safe, efficient, and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims during Hajj 2025. Short link : Post Views: 128
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Zawya
SDAIA deploys AI solutions to streamline pilgrim entry at Jeddah airport and Islamic Port
RIYADH — The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has deployed data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port to streamline entry procedures for pilgrims. The effort included preparing technical infrastructure at designated entry points to accommodate Hajj arrivals by air and sea. SDAIA provides comprehensive technical and operational support to ensure smooth operations at the Hajj terminals of King Abdulaziz International Airport. This includes equipping workstations, integrating them with government systems, preparing data centers, and securing primary and backup communication services to ensure uninterrupted functionality. SDAIA also installed and activated biometric stations at the airport, upgraded devices with certified systems, and trained personnel from partner agencies on the use of Hajj-specific platforms and systems—contributing to reduced processing times for pilgrims. In addition, the national integrated app Tawakkalna offers a suite of services tailored for Hajj, including the display of permits issued through the unified digital platform for Hajj authorization, known as the Makkah Entry Permit Portal. The portal issues licenses and permits for both domestic and international Hajj pilgrims, authorizing access to Makkah and the holy sites through technical integration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah via the Nusuk platform. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
21-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
SDAIA deploys AI solutions to streamline pilgrim entry at Jeddah airport and Islamic Port
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has deployed data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port to streamline entry procedures for pilgrims. The effort included preparing technical infrastructure at designated entry points to accommodate Hajj arrivals by air and sea. SDAIA provides comprehensive technical and operational support to ensure smooth operations at the Hajj terminals of King Abdulaziz International Airport. This includes equipping workstations, integrating them with government systems, preparing data centers, and securing primary and backup communication services to ensure uninterrupted functionality. SDAIA also installed and activated biometric stations at the airport, upgraded devices with certified systems, and trained personnel from partner agencies on the use of Hajj-specific platforms and systems—contributing to reduced processing times for pilgrims. In addition, the national integrated app Tawakkalna offers a suite of services tailored for Hajj, including the display of permits issued through the unified digital platform for Hajj authorization, known as the Makkah Entry Permit Portal. The portal issues licenses and permits for both domestic and international Hajj pilgrims, authorizing access to Makkah and the holy sites through technical integration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah via the Nusuk platform.
Gulf Business
21-05-2025
- Gulf Business
Hajj 2025: 5 ways in which Saudi is revolutionising pilgrimage with AI, tech
Image credit: Getty Images Saudi Arabia is revolutionising the pilgrimage experience through a suite of smart technologies and AI-driven platforms that streamline travel, enhance religious services, and ensure the comfort and safety of millions of Hajj pilgrims. From digital guidance apps in Madinah to smart transportation systems in Makkah and AI-powered support at international airports, these innovations reflect the country's commitment to Vision 2030 and its goal of delivering world-class services to pilgrims from around the globe. Read- The country is leveraging the latest in digital innovation to improve the pilgrimage experience for millions of visitors each year. With a focus on smart technologies and AI-driven applications, the country is enhancing services across various aspects of the pilgrimage, from crowd management and health services to transportation and religious guidance. These advancements are part of Saudi Arabia's broader digital transformation agenda aligned with the nation's Vision 2030. Smart platforms transform pilgrims' experience in Madinah In Madinah, a series of digital platforms are providing pilgrims with real-time guidance and support. The Nusuk platform stands out as a key tool, allowing users to book appointments to visit the Holy Rawdah at the Prophet's Mosque. Health applications, including Tawakkalna, give pilgrims immediate access to medical services, ensuring their health and well-being throughout their stay, a Additionally, digital maps and interactive guides are available to help pilgrims navigate Madinah's landmarks and public facilities, easing their journey and enhancing their experience in the holy city. AI-powered features are also making it easier for pilgrims to obtain real-time responses to their queries in multiple languages, further simplifying their pilgrimage. Smart transportation solutions in Makkah In Makkah, the Makkah Bus Guidance Center is leading the way in optimising pilgrim transportation. Equipped with smart technology, the center ensures buses carrying pilgrims from abroad are efficiently routed to their accommodations in Makkah City. The Arshidni ('guide me') smart platform integrates with the Nusuk Masar platform, providing accurate Guides use modern tablets to receive real-time updates, allowing the control room to monitor bus routes live and manage guide assignments. This system enhances operational efficiency, ensuring pilgrims reach their accommodations smoothly and on time. AI-Powered 'Smart Enrichment Assistant' at the Prophet's Mosque The Agency for Religious Affairs at the Prophet's Mosque has launched the Launched in the presence of prominent religious leaders, the app aligns with the Presidency's strategy to integrate technology into the service of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernising its religious services while maintaining a message of moderation. Streamlined luggage handling with Makkah Route Initiative To further ease the pilgrimage experience, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has introduced a luggage coding and sorting system under the Makkah Route Initiative. Pilgrims' luggage is t Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is efficiently transported to pilgrims' accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, reducing the stress of luggage handling and allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey. This initiative is part of the country's efforts to streamline travel procedures and enhance pilgrim convenience. SDAIA expands services at International Hajj Gateway The Using advanced AI systems, SDAIA's team ensures that pilgrims are processed efficiently, with no delays, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to offering high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from around the world. These technological advancements reflect Saudi Arabia's ongoing dedication to modernizing the pilgrimage process, improving services for millions of pilgrims each year, and fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030.
