800 innovators at the Hajj Health and Security Hackathon to develop smart solutions

The strategic context for developing Hajj services

Managing crowds and providing healthcare and security for millions of pilgrims annually are among the greatest logistical challenges facing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of the Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Guests of God Service Program, the Kingdom continuously strives to transform the Hajj experience by leveraging digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Historically, services provided to pilgrims have evolved dramatically, transitioning from traditional efforts to an integrated system that utilizes the latest global technologies to ensure the safety and health of the pilgrims.

Health and Security Forum kicks off for Hajj

In this context, Dr. Saleh Al-Mohsen, General Supervisor of Medical Services at the Ministry of Interior and the Security Forces Hospital Program, affirmed that the third edition of the Health and Security in Hajj Forum represents a leading national and professional platform. This platform reflects the high level of integration between the health, security, and service sectors in the Kingdom, with the aim of providing comprehensive care that will, God willing, ensure a healthy and safe Hajj for all pilgrims to the Holy House of God.

Dr. Al-Muhsin explained during the forum that this event is part of the medical services initiatives of the Ministry of Interior, with the direct support and guidance of His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior. The forum highlights the collaborative efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and the non-profit sector, showcasing the Kingdom's capabilities and advanced technologies for enhancing the quality of healthcare and security.

800 innovators at the Hajj Health and Safety Hackathon

One of the most prominent events accompanying the forum was the launch of the Health and Security in Hajj Hackathon, which saw the participation of over 800 Saudi innovators. These participants are passionately working to create and develop smart solutions that contribute to addressing the field challenges that may arise during the Hajj season. This large number reflects the extent of effective community participation and the young national talent contributing to supporting the Hajj service system, thus promoting the localization of technology and reliance on local expertise to solve complex problems.

Employing modern technologies and artificial intelligence

To ensure rapid response and improve service efficiency, medical services rely on employing a range of modern technologies to address field challenges, most notably:

• Smart bracelets: These are used to monitor the health of security personnel working in the field, enabling medical teams to intervene proactively and urgently when any abnormal vital signs are detected.
• Drones: In cooperation with NUPCO, drones are used to deliver medical supplies and medicines at high speed, thus overcoming the challenges of traffic congestion and human density in the holy sites.
• Smart mobile clinics: Deploying smart vehicles and mobile technologies at the locations of security and field forces to provide an immediate medical response.

Expected impact locally and internationally

Domestically, these innovations contribute to the protection of security personnel working around the clock to serve pilgrims, and provide a comprehensive care network that includes field clinics and a referral hospital in Mecca. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in integrating technology with crowd management positions it as a leader in mass gathering medicine. These smart solutions serve as a global model for managing major events, underscoring Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in harnessing innovation to serve humanity.